Ftri
-
Two
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING OVERFLOW
September 28, 1974—South American Division
Adventist pioneers began work in Brazil in 1891. That work has
grown until today we have 184,287 members united in the blessed hope.
Part of this remarkable growth we owe to Brazil College, which for
almost 60 years has been preparing workers for evangelistic endeavors.
However, this institution urgently needs quarters for the theology depart-
ment. Fifty percent of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow for this
quarter will be applied toward this project.
The Amazonas Agricultural School, located in the heart of the
Amazon jungle, will benefit from the other half of this offering. This
dense green jungle, until recently largely untouched by man, is now be-
ing rapidly penetrated and settled.
We believe that the Amazonas Agricultural School can play an im-
portant role in illuminating the Amazon with the light of the Adventist
hope.
We request you, the members of the Sabbath School, to contribute
generously on Sabbath, September 28, for these two institutions that so
much need your financial support.
Enoch de Oliveira, Secretary
South American Division
THE COVER
The hourglass, oft-used symbol of the passage of time, here repre-
sents the message of the second half of Revelation, which points to the
last time—the end. These prophecies reveal that most of the time of
man's rule in this world is past. The time of Christ's rulership approaches.
The user of an hourglass knows the precise time required for the
sand to flow through the aperture. But in relation to the time of the com-
ing of Jesus there is no such precision after 1844. Time is short. But
we have tipped the hourglass by our unpreparedness for His return, so
that the passage of the last grains of sand has been delayed. Shall we
get the sand flowing again?
NEWS FROM JESUS-2
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The Revelation was written not for the casual reader but for the one who loves
his Bible and earnestly seeks to know the truth as it is in Jesus.
The angel said to John: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the
words of this prophecy." Rev. 1:3. Many years ago Ellen G. White issued this
challenge to the Adventist Church: "Great truths that have lain unheeded and
unseen since the day of Pentecost, are to shine from God's word in their native
purity. To those who truly love God the Holy Spirit will reveal truths that have
faded from the mind, and will also reveal truths that are entirely
new."—Funda-
mentals of Christian Education,
page 473.
In 1888 Ellen White wrote: "Increased light will shine upon all the grand
truths of prophecy, and they will be seen in freshness and brilliancy, because
the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will illuminate the
whole."—Evan-
gelism,
page 198.
It is evident that even Seventh-day Adventists did not have all the light on
prophecy at the time these words were written. Increased light is never the result
of indolence. Jesus said: "Seek, and ye shall find." The book of Revelation is
different from every other book in the New Testament. If we think of the Sermon
on the Mount as the primer of the church, and the Acts of the Apostles as the
geography of the church, and the epistles as the ethics of the church, then the
Revelation could well be the philosophy of history of the church.
While it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, it is also a book of music. Seven
anthems are recorded in these chapters. Through these we can catch the echo of
the celestial choirs. Forty-six times John records hearing voices, and often they
are voices of victory. On occasions devils also are referred to, but they are all
silent. No song is awakened in Revelation by evil passions. Jesus sang knowing
He was facing crucifixion. Paul and Silas sang in the dark dungeon with their feet
in the stocks. The church has always sung her way through trials to triumph.
Thank God for the Christian message that sets the people singing. Hymns, psalms,
anthems, and oratorios have marked the history of God's people through the
centuries.
During this second series of lessons on the Revelation we will study some of
the most graphic portions of the book. Prophecies of great import will challenge
our thinking—prophecies which we as Adventists need to understand in order to
share faith and give a reason for the hope that is within us with meekness and
fear. It was largely the study of the Revelation that brought the advent movement
into being. Let us pray that the restudy of these great themes will prepare the
church for the latter rain. In this connection Ellen G. White has said: "When we
as a people understand what this book [Revelation] means to us, there will be
seen among us a great
revival."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 113. And again:
"When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will
have an entirely different religious experience."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
page
114. These statements should challenge us to study this great book with a new
diligence, seeking ever to know the truth as it is in Jesus.
1-AQT 3-74
The Blessing of Daily Study
"Every day some portion of time should be appropri-
ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to
mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not
comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-
tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the
lesson."—"Counsels on Sabbath School Work," page 53.
My Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge
of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and
prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
The regular adult Sabbath School lessons are available free
each month in Braille and 16
2
/
3
rpm records to blind and phys-
ically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint.
This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold
or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian
Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
4
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
War Against the Woman
2.
The Beast and the Lamb
3.
Challenge to Freedom
4.
The Three Angels' Messages
5.
The King Is Coming
6.
The Plagues
7.
Satan's Confederacy
8.
Exodus From Babylon
9.
The Marriage Supper
10.
The Devil's End
11.
The Holy City
12.
In God's Presence
13.
The Invitation
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 317, July-September, 1974. Single copy,
35 cents; four issues (1 year), $1.40; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage.
Published in the U.S.A., by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350
Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042. Second-class mail privileges authorized at
Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please
be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright 1974 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover photo by Concerned Communications
1—AQT 3-74
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and
strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the
accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God clay
and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the
word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Rev.
12:10, 11.
war against the
"Satan had warred for the mastery in heaven, and had lost the battle. God
could no longer trust him with honor and supremacy, and these, with the part
he had taken in the government of heaven, were taken from him.
"Since that time Satan and his army of confederates have been the avowed
enemies of God in our world, continually warring against the cause of truth and
righteousness. Satan has continued to present to men, as he presented to the
angels, his false representations of Christ and of God, and he has won the
world to his side. Even the professedly Christian churches have taken sides
with the first great apostate. . . .
"The influence of mind on mind, so strong a power for good when sanctified,
is equally strong for evil in the hands of those opposed to God. This power
Satan used in his work of instilling evil into the minds of the angels, and he
made it appear that he was seeking the good of the universe. . . .
"The casting down of Satan as an accuser of the brethren in heaven was
accomplished by the great work of Christ in giving up His life. Notwithstanding
Satan's persistent opposition, the plan of redemption was being carried out.
Man was esteemed of sufficient value for Christ to sacrifice His life for him.
Satan, knowing that the empire he had usurped would in the end be wrested
from him, determined to spare no pains to destroy as many as possible of the
creatures whom God had created in His image. . . .
"The victory gained at His death on Calvary broke forever the accusing
power of Satan over the universe, and silenced his charges that self-denial
was impossible with God and therefore not essential in the human family."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, pp. 973, 974.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Woman, Rev. 12:1,
2
4.
The Victory, Rev. 12:10-12
2.
The Dragon, Rev. 12:3
5.
The Wilderness, Rev. 12:13
3.
The War, Rev. 12:7, 8
6.
The Remnant, Rev. 12:17
LESSON
June 3Q to July 6
War Against the Woman
LESSON 1
❑
Sunday
June 30
Part 1
THE WOMAN
"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman
clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon
her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child
cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." Rev.
12:1, 2.
It will help our understanding of Revelation 12 if we think
of it as a prophetic drama in four parts:
1.
The origin of sin when Lucifer challenged God and His
throne.
2.
The attack on Christ.
3.
The persecution of the church in an attempt to destroy it.
4.
The final war on God's remnant people.
What symbolic meaning did writers of both Old and New
Testaments give to a woman in prophecy? Jer. 6:2; Isa. 54:5,
6; Hosea 2:19, 20; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:7, 8.
How have the Bible writers represented the corrupt or
apostate church? Isa. 50:1; Jer. 3:1, 8; Ezek. 16:26-29; Rev.
17:1-5.
A woman in prophecy represents a church. With the sun for
her garment and the moon as her footstool the woman is a
fitting representation of God's people, the church. The true
people of God are pictured as being clothed with the "Sun of
righteousness." Mal. 4:2. The church of both the Old and the
New Testaments was established on the sure foundation of
the Word of God. Thus the sun represents Christ's righteous-
ness, and the moon represents the Word of God.
The twelve stars in the crown of the woman or the true
church could well represent the twelve tribes of Israel, as she
is shown in the prophecy previous to the birth of Jesus and
thus before the founding of the Christian church.
In what state was the woman or the church when John saw
her? Verse 2.
Throughout all the centuries since God made the promise
to Eve, His true people were awaiting the coming of the Re-
deemer. But it was in "the fulness of the time" that God sent
forth His Son. Gal. 4:4. When He came He was a helpless Babe
laid in the slender arms of a maiden. "Great is the mystery of
godliness: God was manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. 3:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I better understand the condescension of the Son
of God to come into this world for my salvation?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Hidden Treasure," page 114.
8
War Against the
Woman
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
July 1
Part 2
"And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and be-
THE DRAGON
hold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns,
and seven crowns upon his heads." Rev. 12:3.
What power was waiting to destroy the child?
Who was this dragon power? Verse 9.
The devil has always sought to work through earthly powers.
Both ancient Egypt and pagan Rome took the dragon as their
symbol of power. This prophecy unmasks the devil, showing
him to be the author of all opposition to God by earthly powers
such as Babylon, Tyre, Rome, and even some modern nations.
Under what circumstances do we find God's first promise
of the coming Deliverer? Gen. 3:15.
This general promie was narrowed down from time to
time. It came to Abraham; then to Isaac; then to Jacob; then
to the tribe of Judah; next to David and his family; et cetera.
On each of these delegations we find the devil concentrating
his powers to thwart the plan of God. Yet in spite of all the
enemy's plots and schemes, God's promise was at last fulfilled.
In what significant way does the New Testament begin?
Matt. 1:1.
The child, Jesus, was born at last a member of the human
race in spite of all the united powers of opposition. Then from
His earliest years through to manhood our Lord was the object
of demonic hate. Satan at last succeeded in having Him cruci-
fied. And His grave was sealed by the Roman seal. But that
sealed rock-hewn sepulcher could not hold the Prince of life.
He strode forth the Conqueror, having raided the realm of
demonism and shattered the forces of darkness.
Where next do we find the "child" our Saviour? Rev. 12:5.
See also Eph. 1:20, 21.
He arose for our justification, and as King of righteousness
He now ministers at the throne of grace. Heb. 4:14; 8:1; 10:12.
Who can bring any accusation against the elect of God? As
we are justified in Christ and vindicated by His power, nothing
now can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ
Jesus. Rom. 8:38, 39.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I overcome the dragon?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 438, 501, 502.
9
War Against the Woman
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesday
July
2
Part 3
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels
THE WAR
fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his
angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any
more in heaven." Rev. 12:7, 8.
This is a wonderfully revealing scripture. While other proph-
ets touch the great question of the origin of evil, these brief
verses make the issue very clear. War did not begin on earth;
it began in heaven. Lucifer instigated rebellion among the
angels as he challenged the rulership of God.
How does Isaiah unfold the mystery of sin? Isa. 14:12-15.
What added touch does Ezekiel give? Ezek. 28:12, 15.
Note that Lucifer is presented to us in these two scriptures
under the symbolic role of the king of Babylon in Isaiah and
then as the king of Tyrus in Ezekiel. An unseen power "work-
eth in the children of disobedience." Eph. 2:2.
How many angels or "the stars of heaven" joined with
Lucifer in the rebellion? Rev. 12:4.
How did God deal with these rebel hosts? 2 Peter 2:4.
Where are these fallen angels now? Jude 6.
They are under judgment awaiting the execution of their
sentence of judgment when they, along with all unrepentant
sinners, will be destroyed forever. Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10, 14.
It was a tragic day when the serpent won the allegiance of
Adam and Eve. This newly created earth then became the
battleground of contending forces led by two great generals,
Michael and the dragon.
Sin is a mystery. To excuse it is to defend it. There is no
place for sin in a perfect universe. Like a diseased portion of
a human body it must be removed in order for the body to exist
and be healthy. Evil will eventually be destroyed. Concerning
Satan the Lord has said: "Never shalt thou be any more."
Ezek. 28:19.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I understand the subtlety of Satan in his multitudinous
deceptions? Am I wholly on God's side in the contest with
evil? What is the Lord's promise to those victorious over sin?
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my
Father in his throne." Rev. 3:21.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 499, 500.
10
War Against the Woman
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesday
July 3
Part 4
THE VICTORY
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and
the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast
down, which accused them before our God day and night."
Rev. 12:10.
"The great contest that had been so long in progress in
this world was now decided, and Christ was conqueror. His
death had answered the question whether the Father and the
Son had sufficient love for man to exercise self-denial and a
spirit of sacrifice. Satan had revealed his true character as a
liar and a murderer. It was seen that the very same spirit with
which he had ruled the children of men who were under his
power, he would have manifested if permitted to control the
intelligences of heaven. With one voice the loyal universe united
in extolling the divine administration."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
page 70.
Why does the devil attack the church with such great
wrath? Rev. 12:12 (last part).
Christ's victory at Calvary settled the destiny not only of
our world but also of Satan and all his evil hosts. In
The Desire
of Ages,
page 758, we read: "All heaven triumphed in the
Saviour's victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his king-
dom was lost....
"Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan
clearly revealed to the angels or the unfallen worlds. The
archapostate has so clothed himself with deception that even
holy beings had not understood his principles."
What warning is issued to the inhabitants of the earth?
Verse 12.
The blood of the Lamb is the secret of the Christian's vic-
tory. But with the Christian's belief in the blood must also be
"the word of their testimony." To believe in the vicarious atone-
ment of our Lord is primary. But it must be accompanied by
our testimony to its reality in our lives.
In what ways must my life change in order to take full
advantage of the means of victory God has provided?
"All who will can be overcomers. Let us strive earnestly
to reach the standard set before us. Christ knows our weak-
ness, and to Him we can go daily for help. It is not necessary
for us to gain strength a month ahead. We are to conquer from
day to day."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 974.
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Shall Not God Avenge His Own?"
pages 167-170.
11
War Against the
Woman
LESSON 1
❑
Thursday
July 4
Part 5
Against whom did the devil fight when he no longer had
THE WILDERNESS
access to Jesus?
"And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the
earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man
child." Rev. 12:13.
What was given to the woman. and why? Verse 14.
"The eagles' wings given her appropriately signify the haste
with which the true church was obliged to seek her own safety
when the man of sin was installed in power. The assistance of
God was provided her to this end. The like figure is used to
describe God's dealings with ancient Israel. By Moses He said
to them, 'Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how
I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto Myself.'
Exodus 19:4."—Uriah Smith,
Daniel and the Revelation,
page
558.
How long was the church to be "nourished" and pro-
tected? Verses 6, 14.
This period of 1,260 days, or "time, and times, and half a
time," we have already noted in chapter 11:3. In verse 2
(chapter 11) another calculation is used—"forty and two
months."
What does water represent in prophecy? Rev. 17:15; Isa.
8:7.
What "helped the woman" or the church? Rev. 12:16.
During the 1,260 years when true Christians faced death
for their faith, God's faithful people fled to places of refuge
such as the Piedmont valleys in Italy and the Alpine fastnesses.
The new land of America also opened its arms in welcome
for those who made their way across the ocean to escape
persecution.
The 1,260-year period which began in A.D. 538 reached to
1798. But in our Lord's great prophecy in Matt. 24:22 Jesus
said, "those days should be shortened." See also Mark 13:20.
And they were shortened. It is claimed that the last decree of
tolerance was passed in Austria in 1775, a few years prior to
1798, the end of the 1,260 years.
THINK IT THROUGH
What lessons are therefor me in the story of God's church
during the 1,260 years?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 54-56.
12
War Against the Woman
LESSON 1
❑
Friday
July
5
Part 6
THE REMNANT
THINK IT THROUGH
With whom did the dragon make war?
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to
make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the
commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus
Christ." Rev. 12:17.
Since Jesus was born of the woman, then the remnant of
her seed are the "brothers" and "sisters" of Jesus. By attack-
ing Jesus' "family," the devil attacks Jesus. Those who remain
faithful to their relation to Jesus are designated as the
remnant.
It is in the light of the use of "remnant" in other scriptures
that we must understand the expression in Revelation 12:17.
What promise did King Hezekiah make on God's behalf
if the people would turn back to God? 2 Chron. 30:6.
Those who had escaped from Assyrian captivity he called
a "remnant." The word in Hebrew means "those who escape,"
"what remains," or "what is left."
What are the characteristics of the remnant? Rev. 12:17.
"The last great conflict between truth and error is but the
final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the
law of God."—The
Great Controversy,
page 582.
"Since it is the distinctive work of the prophets to bear
messages from Jesus to the people . . . , the interpretation
that the testimony of Jesus refers to the `testimony,' or `wit-
ness,' that Jesus bears to the church is strongly_ supported.
Seventh-day Adventists thus interpret the passage and believe
that the `remnant' will be distinguished by the manifesta-
tion of the gift of prophecy in their midst. The `testimony of
Jesus Christ,' they believe, is the witness of Jesus in their
midst through the medium of the prophetic gift."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Rev. 12:17.
This gift of prophecy Seventh-day Adventists affirm has
been clearly manifested in the ministry and writings of Ellen
G. White. She was active as God's messenger among us from
1844 to 1915, when she passed to her rest. Throughout her long
and intensely active life she gave continual evidence of her
divine call.
How shall I become more aware of the divine blessings
given to God's remnant in the writings of the spirit of proph-
ecy? Am I bringing my life into harmony with the counsels
of His Spirit?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
page 510;
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 213.
13
•
is
NG GALLOWAY, H. LARKIN
LESSON 2
July 7-13
the Beast
and the Lamb
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are
not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the
world." Rev. 13:8.
In chapters 12 to 22 we have, in a special way, God's final message of warn-
ing and entreaty to the world. Instead of religion being the bread of life, today
it has become the cake of life, a dainty dessert at the end of a full meal of
pleasure, business, or discussion. Even among those who digress enough to
speak a little about religion, the Bible is, too often, not regarded as the authen-
tic Word of God.
To meet the need of this tragic time God inspired John to write the Revela-
tion of Jesus Christ. It is God's message to our time. In these chapters Christ
crucified, risen, ministering, and coming again is set forth in verity. The im-
pressive prophetic symbols in this book make more plain the everlasting gospel.
As we continue to study this illuminating book let us remember that it is a
message straight from the Lord Jesus Himself.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Daniel's Beast Reappears, Rev.
13:1, 2
2.
The Beast's Power, Rev. 13:2
(last part)
3.
The Wounded Head, Rev. 13:3, 4
4.
Blasphemy, Rev. 13:5-7
5.
The Book of Life, Rev. 13:8
6.
The Saints, Rev. 13:9, 10
The Beast and the Lamb
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
July 7
Part 1
DANIEL'S BEAST
REAPPEARS
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
16
"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast
rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and
upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of
blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leo-
pard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth
as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power,
and his seat, and great authority." Rev. 13:1, 2.
Six centuries before John's day the prophet Daniel recorded
a vision in which he saw a great ten-horned beast "dreadful
and terrible, and strong exceedingly." Dan. 7:7.
While Daniel was an important officer of state in Babylon,
he was given this vision. These beasts represented successive
empires: the lion, Babylon; the bear, Persia; the leopard,
Greece; and the ten-horned beast, Rome. The beast John saw
combined all the creatures of Daniel's vision—the lion, the
bear, the leopard and the ten-horned beast.
Which of the four beasts of Daniel did this seven-headed
beast most resemble? Rev. 13:2.
Although this beast symbolized pagan Rome, yet Greek cul-
ture and philosophy predominated in the Roman Empire to
such an extent that we often speak of the Greco-Roman Em-
pire. Hence the expression, "like a leopard" for the leopard
symbolized Greece. But the cultures of Babylon and Persia
also formed a part of the Empire.
What part of the seven-headed beast particularly resem-
bled ancient Babylon?
History records that when Rome spoke it was with the same
intolerant voice as that of Nebuchadnezzar when he ordered
the three Hebrews into the fiery furnace.
How would these great symbolic messages have affected
me had I been a member of one of the churches which re-
ceived the Revelation in John's day?
"In the revelation given to him [John] there was unfolded
scene after scene of thrilling interest in the experience of the
people of God, and the history of the church foretold to the
very close of time. In figures and symbols, subjects of vast
importance were presented to John, which he was to record,
that the people of God living in his age and in future ages
might have an intelligent understanding of the perils and con-
flicts before them.
"This revelation was given for the guidance and comfort
of the church throughout the Christian dispensation."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 583.
The Great Controversy,
page 439.
The Beast and the Lamb
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
July 8
Part 2
THE BEAST'S POWER
THINK IT THROUGH
"And the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and
great authority." Rev. 13:2.
Who is the dragon that gives power and authority to the
seven-headed beast? Rev. 12:9.
We are not left to guess concerning the identity of the
dragon. He is called "the Devil and Satan." In verse 4 the
great red dragon is pictured as waiting to devour the Child
as soon as He was born. This anti-God power always works
through earthly kingdoms in his attempts to thwart the purposes
of God. It was pagan Rome that sought the destruction of the
infant Jesus.
Besides "power" and "authority" what else did the dragon
give the beast? Rev. 13:2.
The word "seat" in the Greek is
thronos,
from which we get
our word
throne.
In addition to being a political kingdom what else does
prophecy say this blasphemous power demands? Verse 4.
Notice the wording of this text. When men pay this power
homage they actually worship the dragon, or the devil.
What are the similarities between the ten-horned beast
of Daniel and the seven-headed beast of Revelation? Dan.
7:7-14, 23-27; Rev. 13:1-10.
The purpose of this prophecy is to alert the people of God
to the dangers facing them, especially at the end of time. Per-
secuting powers have come and gone in past centuries, but
what God's remnant people face just before Christ comes is
more subtle, more deceptive than has ever been faced before.
Do I have a faith strong enough to meet the greatest
deceptions and the most overwhelming demonstrations of
power?
"A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to
be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be dem-
onstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favor-
able for its success. In past ages, when men were without
God's word and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes
were blindfolded. . . . In this generation there are many whose
eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations,
'science falsely so called.'
"—The Great Controversy,
pages
572, 573.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 56-60.
17
The Beast and the Lamb
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
July
9
Part 3
"And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death;
THE WOUNDED HEAD
and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world won-
dered after the beast." Rev. 13:3.
The identity of this wounded head as the papacy is clear.
The papacy grew over a period of two hundred years, from
Constantine to Justinian. A decree by Justinian in A.D. 538
made the bishop of Rome "the head of the churches and the
corrector of heretics." It was not sudden but a gradual trans-
ference of power. The church historian Eusebius, in his
Life
of Constantine
states: "In order to render Christianity more
attractive to the Gentiles, the priests adopted the exterior
vestments and ornaments used in the pagan cult." Truth was
tragically sacrificed on the altars of form and liturgy. The rule
of the popes increased until it became almost absolute. Papal
control continued for many centuries. But it was destined for
defeat.
What did John see happening to bring an end to this domi-
nating power? Verse 3 (first part).
The beast of Revelation 13 received a "wound of death"
(literal translation of the Greek). But he recovered from the
wound. Even more remarkable than the wounding was the
healing. Every previous world power, after its wounding, re-
mained dead, or at least played no further role as a world
leader. But this power was different.
What effect will the papacy have on the world when its
recovery is complete? Verse 3 (last part), 4.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
18
A similar statement of astonishment by the people of the
world is found in Revelation 17:8. The full recovery of this
wounded power is made possible because of the changed
attitude on the part of the peoples of the world. Liberty is the
watchword today. Under the slogan of liberty subtle influences
are shaping the future.
Do I recognize the widespread plans of certain groups to
enforce their ideas upon me? Will I personally be prepared
to face the crisis when it comes?
"There are only two parties upon this earth—those who
stand under the bloodstained banner of Jesus Christ and those
who stand under the black banner of rebellion."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 974.
The Great Controversy,
page 579.
The Beast and the Lamb
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesday
July 10
Part 4
BLASPHEMY
THINK IT THROUGH
"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great
things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to
continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in
blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tab-
ernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given
unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:
and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and
nations." Rev. 13:5-7.
The power here mentioned is easily identified. It is the same
power already mentioned in chapters 11 and 12—the power
that was to continue forty-two months or 1,260 prophetic days.
When the beast opened his mouth, what does the prophecy
say he did? Verse 6.
Blasphemy in the Scriptural definition is not bad language;
it is claiming to be God. When Jesus was being tried before
the Jewish court, He was charged with blasphemy.
In addition to blaspheming God's name, what does the
prophecy say he will do? Verse 6.
To blaspheme God's tabernacle means that this power
would claim to do just what Christ, our High Priest, is doing
in the heavenly sanctuary. And that the apostate church does.
She claims to forgive sins. When Jesus forgave sins, the Phari-
sees called it blasphemy. See Luke 5:21.
What else does the prophecy say this power would do?
Verse 7.
Making war against God's people and overcoming them has
marked the history of this power. The terrible persecutions of
the centuries are responsible for the lives of millions of men
and women. The angel told Daniel this power would "wear out
the saints of the most High." Dan. 7:25.
How would I react if it were demanded of me that I
either give up my faith or give up my life? Those terrible
days of the past could well happen again.
"The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the
true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar
course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even
now preparations are being made for this last great conflict."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 605.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 49-52.
2
-
AQT 3-74
19
The Beast and the Lamb
LESSON 2
❑
Thursday
July 11
Part 5
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
THE BOOK OF LIFE
whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8.
The expression, "the book of life" is found seven times in
the Revelation, and each reference occurs in a very solemn
setting (see Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). Jesus
told the Seventy, whom He had sent out to preach and to
heal, that to know their names were "written in heaven" called
for greater rejoicing than that the devils were subject unto
them. Luke 10:19, 20.
How is the true church described in the Epistle to the He-
brews? Heb. 12:23.
The Revised Standard Version reads: "The assembly of the
first-born who are enrolled in heaven." In an old gospel song
we ask the question, "Is my name written there, on the page
white and fair?" Nothing is more important for us than to know
that our names are retained in the Lamb's book of life.
What is the ultimate end of those whose names are not
found in that book? Rev. 20:15.
How widespread will be the worship of the beast before
our Lord returns? Rev. 13:8.
At the end of earth's history the whole human race will be
divided into just two groups—those who give their homage to
the beast, after his wound has been fully 'healed, and those
whose names are found in the book of life.
What is Christ's promise to those who overcome in the
battle against the powers of evil? Rev. 3:5.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
20
Do I know my name is "written in heaven"? If not, why
not?
"Over every soul that is rescued from the power of evil, and
whose name is registered in the Lamb's book of life, the con-
troversy is repeated. Never is one received into the family of
God without exciting the determined resistance of the enemy.
But He who was the hope of Israel then, their defense, their
justification and redemption, is the hope of the church today."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 585.
Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 182.
The Beast and the Lamb
LESSON 2
Friday
July12
Part 6
THE SAINTS
THINK IT THROUGH
"If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth
into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the
sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience
and the faith of the saints." Rev. 13:9, 10.
Instead of "the patience and faith of the saints," the New
English Bible reads, "the fortitude and faithfulness of God's
people," implying both courage and constancy in the midst of
bitter persecution. During the forty-two prophetic months (verse
5) or the 1,260 prophetic days (chapter 12:6) the true church
suffered severely. Many times they cried inwardly: "How long,
0 Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our
blood?" Chapter 6:10. But in chapter 13 we see the captor
captured, the persecutor avenged.
How do both John and Daniel speak of the power of this
apostate church? Rev. 13:7; Dan. 7:25.
The wording of the New English Bible is again most impres-
sive: "It was also allowed to wage war on God's people and
to defeat them" (Rev. 13'3), and "the saints shall be delivered
into his power." Dan. 7:25. Through those centuries of perse-
cution millions of true and steadfast Christians revealed before
an astonished world what the grace of God can do in spite of
pain and torture.
What did the prophecy say would happen at the end of
the 1,260 days or years? Rev. 13:10.
True to Bible prophecy, events occurred in Europe which
resulted in the pope's being taken prisoner by General Berthier
of France. This was in the year 1798, exactly 1,260 years after
538 when the Arian Ostrogoths had been "plucked up by the
roots" (Dan. 7:8), making way for the papacy to dominate the
nations of Europe. How accurate is the Word of God! But great
trials still await the children of God.
Would my faith be strong enough to sustain me under
torture even unto death?
"God 'desires His people to prepare for the soon-coming
crisis. Prepared or unprepared, they must all meet it; and those
only who have brought their lives into conformity to the divine
standard, will stand firm at that time of test and trial. When
secular rulers unite with ministers of religion to dictate in mat-
ters of conscience, then it will be seen who really fear and
serve God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 431, 432.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 607-610.
21
CLOSED
By order No. 7117
Pending compliance
with worship code
July 14-20
chaiienge to freedom
"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with
the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith
of the saints." Rev. 13:10.
"The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed
before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by
which their eternal destiny will be decided. . . . [Rev. 13:11-17 quoted.] . . .
"When the Protestant phurches shall unite with the secular power to sustain
a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecu-
tion; when the state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the
institutions of the church—then will Protestant America have formed an image
to the papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in na-
tional ruin."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 976.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Two-horned Beast I, Rev.
13:11
2.
The Two-horned Beast II, Rev.
13:11 (last part), 12
3.
The World Deceived, Rev. 13:13,
14 (first part)
4.
The Image to the Beast, Rev. 13:
14 (last part), 15
5.
The Mark of the Beast, Rev. 13:16
6.
The Man, Name, and Number,
Rev. 13:17, 18
Challenge to Freedom
LESSON 3
❑
Sunday
July 14
Part 1
THE TWO-HORNED
BEAST I
FURTHER STUDY
24
From whence did this second beast-power come?
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth;
and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a
dragon." Rev. 13:11.
"The first beast was from the 'sea;' the second came up
from the 'earth.' The sea represents 'peoples, and multitudes,
and nations, and tongues' (Revelation 17:15), a true picture
of Europe, where the papal beast arose. The
earth
must repre-
sent, not a crowded country of diverse nations, but a sparsely
populated and isolated area. And where was there such a
place? Certainly not in Europe or Asia. True to the prophecy,
something tremendous was happening across the Atlantic. A
century and a half before this time, colonies had begun to
spring up in America. By 1776 these colonies had bound them-
selves together and were waging the Revolutionary War, sever-
ing themselves from Europe. Thus the foundation was laid for
a completely new nation."—R. A. Anderson,
Unfolding the
Revelation,
pages 138, 139.
How does the prophet describe this second beast's en-
trance into the international scene? Verse 11.
The Greek word
anabaino
means to come up quietly, un-
obtrusively, but quickly, as a springing vegetable. And that is
how the United States of America arose. One historian says,
"Like a silent seed we grew into an empire."
When was this nation, symbolized by the beast with two
horns, to arise? Answer: At the time the ten-horned beast re-
ceived its "deadly wound." See Rev. 13:3, 11, 12.
The United States Constitution was ratified in 1789, the very
year the French Revolution broke out, which eventually brought
to an end the 1,260-year period.
John Wesley's interpretation of this prophecy about 1760
is arresting. He said: "He is not yet come, though he cannot
be far off. For he is to appear at the end of the forty-two months
of the first
beast."—Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testa-
ment.
Quoted in
Unfolding the Revelation,
page 139.
"The United States is a land that has been under the special
shield of the Omnipotent One. God has done great things for
this country, but in the transgression of His law, men have been
doing a work originated by the man of sin. Satan is working
out his designs to involve the human family in disloyalty."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p.
975.
The Great Controversy,
pages 439-441.
Challenge to Freedom
LESSON 3
❑
Monday
July15
Part 2
THE TWO-HORNED
BEAST II
THINK IT THROUGH
"He had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before
him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to
worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed."
Rev. 13:11, 12.
What is significant about the horns of this second beast?
Verse 11.
With what is the power of the two-horned beast compared?
Verse 12.
"Prophecy represents Protestantism as having lamblike
horns, but speaking as a dragon. Already we are beginning to
hear the voice of the dragon. There is a satanic force propelling
the Sunday movement, but it is concealed.. . .
"Let not the commandment-keeping people of God be silent
at this time, as though we gracefully accepted the situation.
There is the prospect before us of waging a continuous war,
at the risk of imprisonment, of losing property and even life
itself, to defend the law of God, which is being made void by
the laws of men."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 7, p. 975.
When the two-horned beast compels the people to wor-
ship, whom will they be worshiping? Verse 12.
The prediction that it will speak "as a dragon" (verse 11)
and exercise "all the power of the first beast" plainly foretells
a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that
was manifested by the powers represented by the dragon and
the leopardlike beast. The statement that the beast with two
horns "causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to
worship the first beast" indicates that the authority of this
nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which
shall be an act of homage to the papacy.
Am I prepared for the time when liberty will be cur-
tailed and I will be under pressure of law for failure to pay
homage to a power alien to the gospel of Christ? What will
be my stand at that time?
"Only in flagrant violation of these safeguards to the nation's
liberty, can any religious observance be enforced by civil au-
thority. But the inconsistency of such action is no greater than
is represented in the symbol. It is the beast with lamblike
horns—in profession pure, gentle, and harmless—that speaks
as a dragon."—The
Great Controversy,
page 442.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 441, 442.
25
Challenge to Freedom
LESSON 3
Tuesday
July l6
Part 3
THE WORLD
DECEIVED
"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come
down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and de-
ceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those
miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast."
Rev. 13:13, 14.
What does the Spirit of God declare will happen "in the
latter times"? 1 Tim. 4:1.
Just prior to our Lord's return there will exist widespread
ungodliness and religious declension. Apostasy from God's
truth is what makes this possible.
How does the apostle Paul describe the conditions in the
last days? 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
When people do not receive the truth, what will they re-
ceive in its place? 2 Thess. 2:9-11.
"The man of sin, who thought to change times and laws,
and who has always oppressed the people of God, will cause
laws to be made enforcing the observance of the first day of
the week. But God's people are to stand firm for Him. And the
Lord will work in their behalf, showing plainly that He is the
God of gods."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 7, p. 975.
What makes the devil's deception so strong? Rev. 13:13,
14.
When the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets and priests
of Baal, he asked God to reveal His power by sending fire from
heaven. In the last days the enemy of righteousness will use
every kind of device to deceive. Those who say that seeing is
believing may be deluded. Only God's Word will sustain God's
people in the coming days of trial and test. The promise is
clear: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I
also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall
come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."
Rev. 3:10.
THINK IT THROUGH
How am I making God's Word a part of my life so that I
will be able to remain true in the face of nearly overwhelm-
ing deceptions?
The apostle Paul says: "For our fight is not against any
physical enemy: it is against organizations and powers that are
spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls
this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquar-
ters of evil." Eph. 6:12, Phillips.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 301, 302;
The Great Controversy,
pages 612, 624.
26
Challenge to Freedom
LESSON 3
❑
Wednesday
July l7
Part 4
What does prophecy indicate will be made in honor of
THE IMAGE TO
the beast?
THE BEAST
"Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should
make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a
sword, and did live." Rev. 13:14.
"The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate
Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant
churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforce-
ment of their dogmas. The 'mark of the beast' still remains to
be defined.
"After the warning against the worship of the beast and his
image the prophecy declares: 'Here are they that keep the com-
mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' Since those who
keep God's commandments are thus placed in contrast with
those that worship the beast and his image and receive his
mark, it follows that the keeping of God's law, on the one hand,
and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction be-
tween the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast."
—The Great Controversy,
pages 445, 446.
What will "the image of the beast" encourage the people
to do? Verse 15.
"To understand what would constitute an image of the papal
beast, we must first gain some definite idea of what constitutes
the papacy itself. The full development of the beast, or the
establishment of papal supremacy, dates from the famous letter
of Justinian, which was made effective in A.D. 538, constituting
the pope the head of the church and the corrector of heretics.
The papacy was a church clothed with civil power—an eccle-
siastical body having authority to punish all dissenters with
confiscation of goods, imprisonment, torture, and death. What
would be an image of the papacy?—Another ecclesiastical
establishment clothed with civil power, in other words, a union
of church and state."—Uriah Smith,
Daniel and the Revelation,
pages 590, 591.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways should I be seeking God earnestly today
so that i may be prepared for the coming
crisis?
"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting
upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common,
shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain
their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an
image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penal-
.
ties upon dissenters will inevitably result."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 445.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
page 443.
27
Challenge to Freedom
LESSON 3
❑
Thursday
July 18
Part 5
THE MARK OF
THE BEAST
THINK IT THROUGH
"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor,
free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in
their foreheads." Rev. 13:16.
Who in chapter 13 imposes the mark of the beast? Verses
11, 16.
"The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the
true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar
course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. . . .
"The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant
people of God will be very sirriilar to that issued by Ahasuerus
against the Jews....
"Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who re-
fuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position
and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take
counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education,
will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers,
ministers, and church members will conspire against them.
With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will
seek to overthrow their faith."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages
605, 606.
What is the mark of the beast? See verse 16.
"Mark.
Gr.
charagma,
'an impress,' a stamp,' a mark.' This
is evidently some badge of loyalty to the beast, some special
feature that denotes that the one displaying such a mark wor-
ships the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed (v. 8).
Adventist interpreters understand this mark to be not a literal
brand but some sign of allegiance that identifies the bearer as
loyal to the power represented by the beast. The controversy
at that time will center on the law of God, and particularly on
the fourth command. . . . Hence the observance of Sunday will
constitute such a sign, but only at the time when the beast's
power will be revived and Sunday observance becomes a
matter of compliance with civil
law."—SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
on Rev. 13:16.
What is the fate of those who receive this mark? Rev.
14:9-11.
Do I think it impossible for my nation to compel people
on matters of religion? What will have first to be changed
before this can come about? Are there indications today of
such changes in the making?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
page 615;
Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p.
251;
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 117.
28
The Three Angels' Messages
LESSON 4
❑
Sunday
July 21
Part 1
THE VICTORIOUS
COMPANY
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
32
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion,
and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having
his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a
voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the
voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers
harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new
song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the
elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred
and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from
the earth." Rev. 14:1-3.
What a wonderfully inspiring scene this is in comparison
with the tragic picture of the last verses of chapter 13! This
fourteenth chapter is closely related however to chapters 12
and 13. John in vision is watching the preparations for the
final battle between two great opposing powers. The dragon
under all kinds of disguises is marshalling his forces to op-
pose God's loyal remnant.
What is the main identification seen in this victorious group
with the Lamb? Verse 1.
The "Father's name" contrasts strongly with the "mark of
the beast." The 144,000 sealed ones we already noticed in
chapter 7. There they are presented as having been gathered
from all nations. Here they appear with Christ on Mount Zion.
What does John hear this triumphant group doing? Verse 3.
John speaks of their song as new because it tells of a new
experience—full salvation from sin. And no one could learn
it except those who had passed through the "time of trouble"
referred to in Daniel 12:1. These have been sealed with "the
seal of the living God." Rev. 7:2. And that seal is associated
with the name of God the Father. The only commandment of
the ten which contains His
name
and His
office
revealing His
authority
is the fourth, the Sabbath command. But that is the
very one the beast and the false prophet have attempted to
change. These that stand with Christ as conquerors at the last
will be a loyal and faithful people to the end.
How can I be certain to take part in that great song of
victory?
"Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass
as it were mingled with fire,—so resplendent is it with the glory
of God,—are gathered the company that have 'gotten the vic-
tory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,
and over the number of his name.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 648.
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 58-61.
The Three Angels' Messages
LESSON 4
❑
Tuesday
July 23
Part 3
THE FIRST ANGEL'S
MESSAGE
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, hav-
ing the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on
the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory
to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship
him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the foun-
tains of waters." Rev. 14:6, 7.
What is the secret of victory for God's remnant in the last
great crisis when everything on earth is against them? The
answer is found in the three special messages God is sending
to the world.
What is the first angel's message called? Verse 6.
"God has always had but one gospel, sometimes called 'the
gospel of God,' the gospel of grace,' the gospel of Jesus
Christ,' the gospel of the kingdom,' etc. These different ex-
pressions merely emphasize different phases of the same
glorious gospel or good news! It was proclaimed to Adam
before he was driven from Eden. Noah, too, was 'a preacher of
righteousness.' 2 Peter 2
.
5
Faithful Abraham taught the
same glorious gospel (Galations 3:8)."—R. A. Anderson,
Un-
folding the Revelation,
page 150.
In what setting is the gospel being proclaimed in the first
angel's message? Verse 7.
Paul preached concerning a "judgment to come" (Acts 24:
25), but the message today is that the hour of God's judgment
is
come. The announcement is in the present tense. The judg-
ment here mentioned is the investigative judgment, that which
precedes the second advent. When Christ returns, He brings
His rewards with Him. See Rev. 22:12.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I in my daily life give God the glory due to Him?
Am I more concerned with my own personal interests than
with God's glory?
"Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man's thoughts
and affections would have been led to the Creator as the ob-
ject of reverence and worship, and there would never have
been an idolator, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the
Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, 'Him that made
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.'
It follows that the message which commands men to worship
God and keep His commandments will especially call upon
them to keep the fourth commandment."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 438.
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pages 232-237.
34
The Three Angels' Messages
LESSON 4
❑
Wednesday
July 24
Part 4
THE SECOND
ANGEL'S MESSAGE
"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is
fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations
drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Rev. 14:8.
This is the first time the word "Babylon" is found in the
Revelation. At the time John wrote, the ancient city was in
ruins. The city was originally founded by Nimrod (Gen. 10:10;
11:1-9), and greatly expanded by the Nebuchadnezzar of Dan-
iel's time. It stood as the emblem of apostasy and rebellion. In
both the Old and New Testaments Babylon is contrasted with
Jerusalem, the one a symbol of human glory and self-worship,
the other the symbol of God's glory and divine worship. Salem
means "peace" but one connotation of Babel is "confusion."
What startling announcement does this second angel make?
The Protestant reformers of the sixteenth century consist-
ently applied the term "Babylon" to the papacy—the church
with its headquarters in Rome. In John's day Rome was called
"Babylon" by the Christians. In the light of chapter 17:5 more
than one church is included, for the prophecy calls her "the
mother of harlots," the daughters partaking of the same char-
acter as the mother. "Tertullian, who lived at the close of the
second century, specifically declares that the term Babylon in
the Apocalypse refers to the capital city of imperial Rome..
.
"Babylon, both literal and mystical, has thus long been rec-
ognized as the traditional enemy of God's truth and people.
As used in the Revelation the name is symbolic of all apostate
religious organizations and their leadership, from antiquity down
to the close of time."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 14:8.
With what is spiritual Babylon charged?
The expression
"made
all nations drink" of the unholy wine
of her false teachings suggests coercion. The pressure of the
state will doubtless be used to enforce her decrees.
THINK IT THROUGH
If pressure were applied to force me to compromise my
faith, what would be my attitude?
"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed
faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified
through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join
the ranks of the opposition. . . . They become the most bitter
enemies of their former brethren. . . .
"In this time of persecution the faith of the Lord's servants
will be tried."—The
Great Controversy,
page 608.
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pages 237-240.
35
LESSON 5
Au•
is
3
JOHN STEEL, ARTIST; © P.P. P.A.
the
King is coming
"And they sing the song of Moses the servant
of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great
and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Al-
mighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King
of saints." Rev. 15:3.
"What a song that will be when the ransomed
of the Lord meet at the gate of the Holy City,
which is thrown back on its glittering hinges, and
the nations that have kept His word—His com-
mandments—enter into the city, the crown of the
overcomer is placed upon their heads, and the
golden harps are placed in their hands! All heaven
is filled with rich music, and with songs of praise
to the Lamb. Saved, everlastingly saved, in the
kingdom of glory! To have a life that measures
with the life of God—that is the reward."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 982.
"With Paul they can say, 'I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown
of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also which love his ap-
pearing.' There are many whose grey hairs God
honors because they have fought a good fight
and kept the faith."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 982.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Son of Man Descends, Rev. 14:14
2.
The Harvest, Rev. 14:15-19
3.
The Sea of Glass, Rev. 15:1, 2
4.
The Majesty of Christ, Rev. 15:3
5.
The Holiness. of God, Rev. 15:4
6.
Christ's Closing Ministry, Rev. 15:5-8
The King Is Coming
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
July 28
Part 1
THE SON OF MAN
DESCENDS
"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the
cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head
a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." Rev. 14:14.
On what is the Saviour seated when He comes again?
Verses 14, 16.
The fact that this radiant picture of Christ's return imme-
diately follows the giving of the three angels' messages shows
that these messages are indeed God's final warning and appeal.
What does He wear in token of His kingship? Verse 14.
In chapter 19:12 we see Him crowned with "many crowns."
We note also that He has a "sharp sickle" indicative of the
harvest He has come to reap. This picture is drawn from the
Old Testament. In Joel 3:13 we read: "Put ye in the sickle,
for the harvest is ripe." Jesus said, "The harvest is the end
of the world; and the reapers are the angels." Matt. 13:39.
How does the apostle Paul describe Christ's coming?
1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
"With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast,
unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament
seems filled with radiant forms—'ten thousand times ten thou-
sand, and thousands of thousands.' No human pen can por-
tray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its
splendor. 'His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was
full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light.' Ha-
bakkuk 3:3, 4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye
beholds the Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that
sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow.
His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noon-
day sun. 'And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name
written,
King of kings, and Lord of lords.'
Revelation 19:16."
—The Great Controversy,
page 641.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I ready for Jesus' coming? How can I be ready?
FURTHER STUDY
40
"Then every eye shall see Him, and they also that pierced
Him. In the place of a crown of thorns, He will wear a crown
of glory,—a crown within a crown. In place of that old purple
kingly robe, He will
be
clothed in raiment of whitest white, `so
as no fuller on earth can white them.' Mark 9:3. And on His
vesture and on His thigh a name will be written, 'King of kings,
and Lord of lords.' Rev. 19:16."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 739.
Early Writings,
pages 15, 16.
The King Is Coming
LESSON 5
❑
Friday
August 2
Part 6
Read Rev. 15:5-8.
CHRIST'S CLOSING
MINISTRY
This Scripture reveals the awesome preparation for the out-
pouring of God's wrath upon the corrupters of the earth and
the destroyers of His people. The seven last plagues fall after
the close of probation, at the end of Christ's ministry in the
heavenly sanctuary.
What does the prophet call the temple in heaven? Verse 5.
The RSV reads: "The temple of the tent of witness in
heaven," as do other translations. Stephen spoke of "the taber-
nacle of witness in the wilderness," which was made after the
pattern showed in the mount. Acts 7:44. The tabernacle con-
tained "the ark of the testimony," so called because it con-
tained the law which was God's testimony to Israel. See Ex.
32:15, 16; 25:21.
Who handed to the angels the vials with the plagues?
Verse 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
How appropriate that one of those beings, closely connected
with Jesus, should deliver to the ministers of vengeance the
vials of wrath for those who have blasphemed the Saviour and
persecuted His followers! Before the plagues fall upon the
guilty, however, the ministration of mercy will have ceased.
What did John see filling the temple while the angels of
vengeance were engaged in their work? Verse 8.
The Scripture clearly indicates that no man, or actually no
being, can enter the temple during the outpouring of the seven
last plagues of God's judgments. There will be no Intercessor,
no Mediator. And to feel the wrath of God unmixed with mercy
is an experience beyond our imagination.
"My accompanying angel said, 'Time is almost finished.
Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?' "
—"Early Writings," page 64.
Ellen G. White wrote: "In the temple in heaven, the dwelling
place of God, His throne is established in righteousness and
judgment. In the most holy place is His law, the great rule of
right by which all mankind are tested. The ark that enshrines
the tables of the law is covered with the mercy seat, before
which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner's behalf. Thus is
represented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of
human redemption."—The
Great Controversy,
page 415.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 191-193.
45
The Plagues
LESSON 6
❑
Monday
August 5
Part 2
THE THIRD PLAGUE
"And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers
and fountains of waters; and they became blood. And I heard
the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, 0 Lord, which
art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and
thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God
Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments." Rev. 16:4-7.
What did Isaiah call God's judgments on Jerusalem that
is applicable also to the plagues? Isa. 28:21.
What is God's attitude to the death of the wicked? Ezek.
33:11.
"There will be a law against the Sabbath of God's creation,
and then it is that God will do His 'strange work' in the earth.
He has borne long with the perversity of the race; He has tried
to win them to Himself. But the time will come when they shall
have filled their measure of iniquity; and then it is that God
will work. This time is almost reached. God keeps a record
with the nations: the figures are swelling against them in the
books of heaven; and when it shall have become a law that
the transgression of the first day of the week shall be met with
punishment, then their cup will be full."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 910.
"God's judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking
to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with
the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punish-
ment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long
delayed. . . . By terrible things in righteousness He will vin-
dicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of
the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the
Lord's reluctance to execute justice."—The
Great Controversy,
page 627.
What did the "angel of the waters" say about God's judg-
ments upon the wicked? Rev. 16: 5, 6.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can you reconcile the plagues with God's love?
Here is a wonderful promise of God's protection that is es-
pecially appropriate to the time of the plagues:
"He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the
munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall
be sure." Isa. 33:16. See also Isa. 41:17, 18; 32:2.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 627, 628.
49
The Plagues
LESSON 6
❑
Wednesday
August 7
"The fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the
beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they
gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of
heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented
not of their deeds." Rev. 16:10, 11.
What is the fifth plague and upon what does it fall?
Verse 10.
The "seat" or "throne" of the beast-power is the main ob-
jective of the fifth plague, wherever the headquarters might
happen to be located. The papacy through its long history has
had its headquarters in Rome. But the "kingdom" might well
include the whole world at the time of the plagues. In verse 1
the command was, "Go your ways, and pour out the vials of
the wrath of God upon the earth." "It would therefore appear
that for the duration of this plague the entire world is envel-
oped in a pall of darkness. Thus, while men grope unrepent-
antly for light in a spiritually dark world, . . . God sends upon
them literal darkness, symbolic of the deeper spiritual night
that is yet to enshroud the earth."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 16:10.
How do the wicked react under this plague? Verse 11.
As
we have already noted, only the Holy Spirit can cause
men to repent. But the Spirit of God will have been withdrawn
from the earth
before
these judgments of God descend. The
wicked therefore have no sorrow for their sins, only basphemy
against God. This was their attitude during the fourth plague,
and it still persists.
What message in the Psalms can give comforting assurance
to the righteous during the fourth and fifth plagues? Ps. 121:
5-7.
Part 4
THE FIFTH PLAGUE
THINK IT THROUGH
Psalm 91:8 states that the righteous will see "the reward
of the wicked." What will be the effect of that scene on us?
"The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while
persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and
suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish. That
God who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of His self-sacri-
ficing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will
care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied.
While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels
will shield the righteous and supply their wants. To him that
`walketh righteously' is the promise: 'Bread shall be given him;
his waters shall be sure.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 629.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pages 182, 183.
51
The Plagues
LESSON 6
❑
Thursday
August 8
Part 5
THE SIXTH PLAGUE
"And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great
river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the
way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw
three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the
dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the
mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils,
working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth
and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that
great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed
is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk
naked, and they see his shame. And
he
gathered them to-
gether into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armaged-
don." Rev. 16:12-16.
Among the different aspects of the sixth plague three are
especially vital—(1) the miracle-working power of demons; (2)
their world-wide influence; (3) the gathering of the nations for
the battle of the great day of God.
From whence do these demonic spirits proceed? Verse 13.
The identity of the beast as the papacy we have already
noted in earlier lessons. And the false prophet, apostate Prot-
estantism, has also been established. The question is, who is
the dragon? In Revelation 12:9 he is called "the Devil, and
Satan." But this archenemy of God and man always works
through people or organizations. In the days of the apostles
he worked through pagan Rome. In these closing days the
dragon who makes war upon God's remnant (Rev. 12:17) could
well represent the great anti-God movement, which, backed
up by spirit powers, is determined to obliterate God's name
from the earth. In fulfillment of this prophecy we see spir-
itualism working through all these great movements. In fact
spiritualism may come to be the foundation of popular religion.
How much of the world is being prepared for the battle
of the great day of God? Verse 14.
"Thus, before the spirits can have such absolute authority
over the race as to gather them to battle against the King of
kings and Lord of lords, they must first win their way among
the nations of the earth, and cause their teaching to be re-
ceived as of divine authority and their word as law. This work
they are now doing, and when they shall have once gained
full influence over the nations in question, what fitter instru-
ment could be employed to gather them to so rash and hope-
less an enterprise?"—Uriah Smith,
Daniel and the Revelation,
page 699.
What will be the nature of the battle of Armageddon?
The Great Controversy,
pages 561, 562.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
52
The Plagues
LESSON 6
❑
Friday
August
9
Part 6
Read Rev. 16:17-21.
THE SEVENTH
PLAGUE
The seventh plague is the last tragic judgment of the series.
While some of the plagues will be local, the last one is poured
out into the air. The atmosphere all over the habitable globe
will be affected. But not for long, for the great voice of God
declares, "It is done."
From whence does that voice speak? Verse 17.
The gathering of the nations took place under the sixth
plague. Now the real battle begins, and God uses His armory.
What other events occur at this time? Verse 18.
What did the Lord reveal to Job about snow and hail?
Job 38:22, 23.
God has reserved snow and hail for "the day of battle
and war." And He will cause an "overflowing scourge" to pass
through the lands of earth. But His people will be delivered,
"every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan 12:1.
What message in the Psalms expresses the attitude of God's
faithful ones amid the reeling earth? Ps. 46:1.
This whole psalm, like Psalm 91, contains a message espe-
cially appropriate for "the time of trouble," and in the midst
of worldwide distress God's faithful ones will be heard singing
those words in triumph. See
The Great Controversy,
page 639.
What happens to the cities of the nations at this time?
Rev. 16:19.
"We need to study the pouring out of the seventh vial. The
powers of evil will not yield up the conflict without a struggle.
But Providence has a part to act in the battle of Armageddon.
When the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Reve-
lation eighteen, the religious elements, good and evil, will
awake from slumber, and the armies of the living God will
take the field."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 7, p. 983.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 636-638.
53
LESSON 7
satan's
August 11-17
confederacy
"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them:
for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are
called, and chosen, and faithful." Rev. 17:14.
The seventeenth chapter of Revelation has been interpreted in a variety of
ways, and Seventh-day Adventists are not all agreed on one interpretation.
Some who study this lesson will see the prophecy in a different way from that
presented here. However, while the interpretation of details may vary, the main
thrust of the prophecy is given by Ellen G. White in the following quotation:
"In the seventeenth of Revelation is foretold the destruction of all the
churches who corrupt themselves by idolatrous devotion to the service of the
papacy, those who have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. [Rev.
17:1-4 quoted.]
"Thus is represented the papal power, which with all deceivableness of un-
righteousness, by outside attraction and gorgeous display, deceives all nations;
promising them, as did Satan our first parents, all good to those, who receive
its mark, and all harm to those who oppose its fallacies. The power which has
the deepest inward corruption will make the greatest display, and will clothe
itself with the most elaborate signs of power. The Bible plainly declares that
this covers a corrupt and deceiving wickedness. 'Upon her forehead was a
name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.'
"What is it that gives its kingdom to this power? Protestantism, a power
which, while professing to have the temper and spirit of a Iamb and to be allied
to Heaven, speaks with the voice of a dragon. It is moved by a power from
beneath."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 983.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Unholy Woman, Rev. 17:1-3
2.
The Blood of the Martyrs, Rev. 17:4-6
3.
The World Astonished, Rev. 17:7, 8
4.
The Clue to Understanding, Rev. 17:9-11
5.
The Faithful Remnant, Rev. 17:12-14
6.
When the World Fulfills God's Will, Rev. 17:15-18
Satan's Confederacy
LESSON 7
❑
Sunday
August 11
Part 1
THE UNHOLY
WOMAN
"And there came one of the seven angels which had the
seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither;
I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that
sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth
have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth
have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So
he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I
saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names
of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns." Rev.
17:1-3.
Who unfolded this symbolic prophecy to John? Verse 1.
A woman in prophecy represents a church. This evil woman
is therefore the symbol of an apostate church. Throughout our
history Adventists, as did the great Protestant Reformers before
us, have applied this prophecy to the papacy. But it includes
more than one religious organization. Verse 18 states that she
represents the great city, and 16:18, 19 identifies the great city
as Babylon. Thus the scarlet woman represents all apostate
religion.
Where was John carried in spirit? Verse 3.
The New English Bible reads, "he carried me away into
the wilds." From the viewpoint of the judgment (see verse 1)
he saw the scarlet woman. When the angel described her in
verse 1 he said she was seated "upon many waters," but when
John saw her judgment she was seated on a scarlet beast
which corresponds in general with the dragon of Revelation 12
and the beast of Revelation 13. To human appearance she was
supported by earth's population, but behind this facade she was
seen supported by the devil.
What did John note particularly about this beast? Verse 3.
The dragon of chapter 12 had seven crowned heads and ten
horns; and the leopard-beast of chapter 13 had seven heads
and ten crowned horns; the beast of chapter 17 had also seven
heads and ten horns but there is no mention of crowns. At
the time to which this prophecy points the world empires
are past, for there are no crowns, or power symbols, on the
heads. The nations of Europe are not the source of power, for
the ten horns are uncrowned. The woman is the manifestation
of dragon power in the world at the time of fulfillment of this
prophecy. She has replaced the crowned heads and horns of
the past. This fact points to a new kind of power structure not
appropriately represented by crowns. From another vantage
point this beast of chapter 17 is seen as the image to the beast
in Revelation 13.
What is the significance of each feature of this prophecy
for these last days?
THINK IT THROUGH
56
Satan's Confederacy
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
August 12
Part 2
THE BLOOD OF
THE MARTYRS
THINK IT THROUGH
"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour,
and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having
a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness
of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name writ-
ten, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HAR-
LOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the
woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the
blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I won-
dered with great admiration." Rev. 17:4-6.
It was "the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" that intoxicated
this seductive infamous woman representing religious apostasy
in the world. Yet John also realized that what sustained the
martyrs in the hour of death was the blood of the Lamb. They
therefore were honored to shed their blood for Him.
How was the woman dressed? Verse 4.
Purple and scarlet are considered royal colors. But they
could also be the colors of sin and spiritual prostitution. The
golden cup pictured in the woman's hand is "full of abomina-
tions and filthiness of her fornication." This is strong language.
But God wants us to realize how He regards the corruption of
the gospel message as well as the illicit relationship of the
church with the world.
What was the name on her forehead? Verse 5. What is
the significance of this name?
What does the woman hold in her hand? Verse 4.
This is a cup full of abomination and counterfeit doctrines
of a false priesthood. How tragic that the simple way of salva-
tion should be so corrupted as to require the services of a
man-made priest to absolve the sinner.
In what ways can I help those in the darkness of ignorance
and superstition while there is yet a time of grace?
"The men of Babel had determined to establish a govern-
ment that should be independent of God. . . . Had they gone
on unchecked, they would have demoralized the world in its
infancy. Their confederacy was founded in rebellion; a kingdom
established for self-exaltation, but in which God was to have
no rule or
honor."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 123.
57
Satan's Confederacy
LESSON 7
❑
Tuesday
August 13
Part 3
THE WORLD
ASTONISHED
THINK IT THROUGH
58
"And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou mar-
vel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the
beast that carrieth her, which hash the seven heads and ten
horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall
ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and
they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were
not written in the book of life from the foundation of the
world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and
yet is." Rev. 17:7, 8.
When the people of the world discern this beast arising with
new and added power, they are amazed. The only ones un-
moved are those whose names are written in the book of life.
Through the study of God's prophetic Word they have known
what to expect in these last days. Prophecy is indeed "a light
that shineth in a dark place." 2 Peter 1:19.
From whence does the beast of Revelation
17
arise?
Verse 8.
The beast of chapter 13 arose out of the sea, which repre-
sented peoples and warring nations. But after exercising its
power for 1,260 years from
A.D.
538 to 1798 it suffered a death-
stroke. The prophecy indicates that he will come back into
power, at which time all the world will wonder after him. Rev.
13:3. The scarlet beast of Revelation 17 symbolizes the same
power but the prophet is viewing it at a different time—after it
has recovered from the "deadly wound." When it reappears it
comes, not from the sea but from the "bottomless pit." The
Greek word
abussos,
translated "bottomless pit," means an
abyss. In Romans 10:7 it means the place of the dead.
Will that influence and control continue? Verse 10.
Prophecy declares it will be a "short space," but long
enough to deceive the whole world except those whose names
are written in the book of life.
"Is my name written there?"
No more pertinent question can be asked. For only those
whose names are written there will escape the delusions of the
devil and stand without fear in the presence of our Lord when
He returns.
"While these messages have been studied with profit and
inspiration throughout the centuries, they have their special
application to earth's last generation. Through the study of His
word, the Lord by His Spirit is preparing a people to stand
through the final days of deception and be ready for the ap-
pearing of our Lord. The prophet was, therefore, witnessing
events of our own day."—R. A. Anderson,
Unfolding the Reve-
lation,
pages 175, 176.
Satan's Confederacy
LESSON 7
❑
Wednesday
August 14
Part 4
THE CLUE TO
UNDERSTANDING
THINK IT THROUGH
"But here is the clue for those who can interpret it. The
seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They
represent also seven kings, of whom five have already fallen,
one is now reigning, and the other has yet to come; and when
he does come he is only to last for a little while." Rev. 17:9,
10, NEB. See also verse 11.
"What John had been shown was a 'mystery' . . in the
sense that reality had been concealed in symbolic language,
and it would require 'wisdom' to understand the figurative in
terms of the literal."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 17:9.
Where was the woman sitting at the time John was given
this vision? Verse 9.
What are the three stages of this beast-power brought out
in this prophecy? Verses 8 and 11.
There must be real significance in twice mentioning the
beast that "was," "is not," and "yet is." History records the
power that "was"; it reigned for 1,260 years, during which time
the saints were persecuted and attempted changes were made
in God's law. Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:5-7. But the power which had
been killing with the sword of the state, received by the sword
of the state a deathstroke in 1798 and for a time appeared
dead. Some declare that this is the "is not" period. The papacy
had no civil power after 1798. But looking beyond that time
John sees a "yet is" period when civil power will be regained
and all the world will wonder after the beast. Rev. 13:3.
A portion of the prophecy studied today is yet unfulfilled.
"It is never wise to be dogmatic when studying unfulfilled
prophecies. A Biblical principle is clear; Jesus said, 'I have
told you before it come to pass that, when it is come to pass,
ye might believe.' John 14:29. The unfolding of events will
doubtless clarify many of these difficult passages.
"During the last century the Church of Rome has been re-
gaining her political influence until today she is strong once
more."—R. A. Anderson
Unfolding the Revelation,
pages 174,
175.
What are we counseled to do in regard to these events?
Rev. 16:15; Luke 12:37.
Are we watching world events in the light of prophecy as
diligently as did our early pioneers? If things were to close
up suddenly, would I be caught unaware?
"The attitude of watching is to designate the church as
God's people indeed. By this sign the waiting ones are distin-
guished from the world and show that they are pilgrims and
strangers upon the
earth."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 205.
59
Satan's Confederacy
LESSON 7
❑
Thursday
August 15
Part 5
THE FAITHFUL
REMNANT
THINK IT THROUGH
60
"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which
have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings
one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give
their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make
war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for
he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with
him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Rev. 17:12-14.
The ten kings
receive
their authority by
giving
their author-
ity to the beast and
receiving it back again.
Ellen G. White
identified this power as Protestantism. See introduction. They
had religious authority. When they receive it back under the
beast, they have political authority. The authority which at first
was only religious is given back as governmental authority.
When the horns finally unite, what is said of their mind?
Verse 13.
These have not the mind of Christ but the mind of Satan
as they band together. Ellen G. White comments: "There will be
a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy
of Satan's forces. . . .
"In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be
united, in opposition to God's people, all the corrupt powers
that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7,
p. 983.
If we wonder how it is possible for the nations to be de-
ceived, note these inspired words: "The power of Satan now
to tempt and deceive is ten-fold greater than it was in the
days of the apostles."—Spiritual
Gifts,
Vol. 2, p. 277.
When the forces of evil finally unite, upon whom do they
wage war? Who will win? Verse 14.
"The so-called Christian world is to be the theatre of great
and decisive actions. Men in authority will enact laws con-
trolling the conscience, after the example of the papacy.
Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the wrath
of her fornication. Every nation will be involved."—Ellen G.
White Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 7, p. 949.
Satan's Confederacy
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
August 16
Part 6
WHEN THE WORLD
FULFILLS GOD'S WILL
THINK IT THROUGH
"And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest,
where the whore sitteth are peoples, and multitudes, and
nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest
upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make
her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn
her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his
will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast,
until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman
which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the
kings of the earth." Rev. 17:15-18.
What does prophecy declare will happen to the woman?
Verse 16.
These last verses of chapter 17 picture a strange reversal
of all that the previous verses seemed to be leading up to:
verse 14 forecasts a bitter attack upon the Lamb and His fol-
lowers by Satan's confederacy of evil. But verse 16 shows that
the very powers that gave their strength and support to the
woman will eventually turn on her and savagely destroy her,
burning her with fire.
What result of men's anger, pointed out by the psalmist,
will occur again? Ps. 76:10.
In 1798 it was the beast that suffered the "deadly wound."
The political power was stripped from the papacy; but the
woman, the church, continued on as a religious power. Slowly
the church began to rebuild her political power, until in this
prophecy she is seen riding the beast.
What does this prophecy say is her relationship to the
kings or the dictators of earth? Verse 18.
This portrays a global combination. It will include all the
powers of earth, and under the influence of the woman they will
form a confederacy against the apparently helpless people of
God. But these very powers will turn upon the woman and
destroy her.
What is the nature of the daughters that spring from this
adulterous "mother"? Verse 5.
The daughters of the apostate church actually form the
-image to the beast of chapter 13:14.
Am I able to discern the antichrist influences that threaten
the church in both education and religion?
The false science of the present day, which undermines
faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way
for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as
did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its
aggrandizement in the Dark Ages."—The
Great Controversy,
page 573.
61
LESSON 8
August 18-24
"And I heard another voice
from heaven, saying, Come out of
her, my people, that ye be not
collapse
partakers of her sins, and that
ye receive not of her plagues."
Rev. 18:4.
of Babylon
"The proclamation of the gospel is the only means in which God can employ
human beings as His instrumentalities for the salvation of souls. As men, women,
and children proclaim the gospel, the Lord will open the eyes of the blind to
see His statutes and will write upon the hearts of the truly penitent His law. The
animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the believers
to be of one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His command-
ments—preparing here below for translation....
"As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last con-
flict, 'the time of Jacob's trouble,' they will grow up into Christ, and will partake
largely of His Spirit."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
7,
p.
984.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The.Lighted Earth, Rev. 18:1-3
2.
Another Voice Saying, "Come," Rev. 18:4, 5
3.
When Apostasy Claims to Be a Queen, Rev. 18:7-11
4.
The Collapse of Babylon, Rev. 18:12-19
5.
Babylon Sinks, Rev. 18:21-23
6.
All Nations Deceived, Rev. 18:23 (last part), 24
Exodus From Babylon
LESSON 8
❑
Sunday
August 18
Part 1
THE LIGHTED EARTH
THINK IT THROUGH
64
"And after these things I saw another angel come down
from heaven, having great power; and the earth was light-
ened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice,
saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become
the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and
a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have
drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the
kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and
the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abun-
dance of her delicacies." Rev. 18:1-3.
Chapter 18 portrays graphically the climax of human history.
In true apocalyptic style we have a brief introduction followed
by an impressive description of how things will end.
What was the result of this other angel which comes down
from heaven? Verse 1.
The threefold message, given by the three angels in chapter
14, continues to gain in strength right up to the appearing of
our Lord in the clouds. Rev. 14:14. But a new impetus is given
by this angel who comes from heaven with great power lighting
the world with splendor.
"It is an awful hour when a world's destiny is to be decided
—a most solemn crisis when an entire contemporaneous gen-
eration of the human family is to pass the bounds of probation,
as the last note of mercy is sounded."—Uriah Smith,
Daniel
and the Revelation,
page 724.
What mighty announcement does he bring and how is the
message delivered? Verse 2.
This is the same message as that of the second angel (Rev.
14:8), but it is even more specific: Not only is spiritual Babylon
fallen after intoxicating the nations with the wine of her false
doctrines, but she has become "a dwelling place of demons"
and "a haunt of every foul and hateful bird." Rev. 18:2, RSV.
Paganism has always been a false religion, but the papacy is
an apostate one. Included in this Babylon is also the false
prophet or apostate Protestantism.
How can I prepare to participate in lighting the earth with
God's glory?
"During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential
interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge
of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to
every city and town. The earth will be filled with the knowl-
edge of salvation. So abundantly will the renewing Spirit of
God have crowned with success the intensely active agencies,
that the light of present truth will be seen flashing everywhere."
—Evangelism,
page 694.
Exodus From Babylon
LESSON 8
❑
Monday
August 19
Part 2
ANOTHER VOICE
SAYING, "COME"
THINK IT THROUGH
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come
out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins,
and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have
reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniq-
uities." Rev. 18:4, 5.
Where did this other voice come from which John heard?
Verse 4.
This voice from heaven is called "another" voice, showing
that a new agency is here introduced. We now have five celes-
tial messengers expressly mentioned as engaged in this last
religious reformation. These are the first, second, and third
angels of Revelation 14; fourth, the angel of verse 1 of this
chapter; and fifth the agency indicated by the "voice" of
verse 4, now before us.
To whom is the message of this chapter especially directed?
Verse 4.
"Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with
holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins
of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing
the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads
of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal
power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the
people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen
who have never heard words like these. In amazement they
hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because
of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth
sent to her from heaven."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 606,
607.
How far have the sins of Babylon reached? Verse 5.
The ancient Babel builders were attempting to erect a tower
whose top was to "reach unto heaven." Gen. 11:4. Modern
Babylon will not construct an architectural monstrosity but she
will challenge God by the rejection of His law.
How can I better cooperate with heavenly agencies in
doing God's work?
"The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon
be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel's mes-
sage, 'another angel' is to 'come down from heaven, having
great power,' and the earth is to be 'lightened with his glory.'
The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated
human instrumentalities that men, women, and children will
open their lips in praise and thanksgiving, filling the earth with
the knowledge of God, and with His unsurpassed glory, as the
waters cover the sea."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 984.
65
Exodus From Babylon
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
August 20
Part 3
WHEN APOSTASY
CLAIMS TO BE A
QUEEN
THINK IT THROUGH
66
"Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and
mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with
fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the
kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived
deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her,
when they shall see the smoke of her burning." Rev. 18:8, 9.
Read Revelation 18:7-11.
This chapter describes events after the beast-power has
come to life again. We are not informed how much time will
elapse between the healing of the wound and the proclamation
of the woman, or the church, that she is no longer a widow.
The Scripture speaks of it as a "short space."
How long will the plagues last? Verse 8.
This may be a prophetic day (or a literal year) for it speaks
of "death, and mourning, and famine." A day of twenty-four
hours could not produce a famine. In Isaiah 34:8 the prophet
speaks of "the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of
recompenses for the controversy of Zion." Or it could refer to
a short time, without a specific length intended.
What will be the reaction of the kings with whom the
church has been in illicit relation when they see the destruc-
tion of their great organization? Verse 9.
Spiritual Babylon is not an actual city, but her destruction
is pictured as a burning city. Four times we find the expression
"one hour" associated with Babylon's reign and destruction.
For just "one hour" the powers of the world reign with her
(Rev. 17:12); in "one hour" her judgment comes (Rev. 18:10);
in "one hour" her riches come to naught (v. 17); in "one hour"
she is made desolate (v. 19). Thus is indicated a very rapidly
moving chain of events. As the defiant Babel builders of old
were thwarted in their enterprise and scattered, so also will
this modern Babylonian project collapse and its builders will
cry for the mountains to hide them when our Saviour appears
in glory, coming for His people.
Entrance into God's kingdom of glory is promised, not to
the successful but to the faithful. Our Lord will say, "Well
done, good and faithful servant." As I examine my faithful-
ness, where should I improve?
"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the
third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righ-
teousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the
beginning of the light of the angel Whose glory shall fill the
whole earth."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 7, p. 984.
Exodus From Babylon
LESSON 8
❑
Wednesday
August
21
Part 4
THE COLLAPSE
OF BABYLON
THINK IT THROUGH
"And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed
from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are
departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her,
shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and
wailing." Rev. 18:14, 15.
Read Revelation 18:12-19.
In these verses is pictured the sudden destruction of apos-
tate religion. This will be a terrible shock to these modern
Babel builders. The mourners recall their grandiose plans and
their quick-growing profits. Now all is gone.
How many different classes of merchants are mentioned?
Verses 12-14, 17.
What is their reaction? Verses 15, 19.
International trade, which promised so much, has suddenly
come to an end because of the judgments of God. It is not
that God takes pleasure in the destruction of sinners, for He is
"not willing that any should perish, but that all should come
to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. But Babylon's great sin is her
defiance of God and her determination to enforce her religion
and her mark on all, regardless of their conscientious beliefs.
A death decree will be passed upon God's remnant. When the
situation reaches that point, God becomes the Deliverer of His
people. The plagues, mentioned in verse 8, begin to fall, and
commerce collapses.
What is God's earnest appeal just before the plagues are
poured out? Verse 4.
God's people are found everywhere, in every nation, denomi-
nation, and religion. They are living up to all the light they
have. To them God makes this last appeal. It is to prepare men
and women to make the right stand in the final crisis that the
advent message has been raised up.
How can I sense more fully the importance of these times
and the bigness of the issues before us?
"As
God called the children of Israel out of Egypt, that they
might keep His Sabbath, so He calls His people out of Babylon,
that they may not worship the beast or his image. The man
of sin, who thought to change times and laws, has exalted
himself above God, by presenting a spurious sabbath to the
world; the Christian world has accepted the child of the papacy,
and cradled and nourished it, thus defying God by removing
His memorial, and setting up a rival sabbath."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, pp. 984, 985.
67
Exodus From Babylon
LESSON 8
❑
Thursday
August
22
Part 5
BABYLON SINKS
"And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone
and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that
great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no
more at all." Rev. 18:21.
Read also verses 22, 23.
What striking figure is used to show the complete destruc-
tion of modern Babylon? Verse 21.
In what other circumstances was this illustration used?
Jer. 51:60-64.
As we have already noticed, the downfall of ancient Baby-
lon, and even the words of the prophet Jeremiah, are used by
the prophet John to describe the final collapse of man's great-
est and final achievement—the organization of a world govern-
ment. Many statesmen believe world government to be the solu-
tion to world war. Such a project would link together all
commerce, industry, finance, and religion. This, they say,
would control all human endeavor and ensure human success.
To make the idea appealing it might well done in the name
of Christianity.
What did the angel say as he cast the great stone into the
sea? Verse 21.
This dramatic act by the angel in John's vision must have
deeply impressed the prophet. No other passage in Scripture
is more descriptive than this eighteenth chapter.
Like a huge millstone dropped into the sea, Babylon will
sink never to rise again. And all who have put their trust in
her will also perish. "Come out of her my people" is God's
urgent appeal.
THINK IT THROUGH
What ties still keep me from coming fully out of Babylon?
"As the members of the body of Christ approach the period
of their last conflict, 'the time of Jacob's trouble,' they will
grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His Spirit. As
the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and
glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will
partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and
strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their
faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the
third angel."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 984.
68
Exodus From Babylon
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
August
23
Part 6
ALL NATIONS
DECEIVED
THINK IT THROUGH
"Thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by
thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found
the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were
slain upon the earth." Rev. 18:23, 24.
Among the sins charged to Babylon, sorcery, or witchcraft,
seems to be her leading crime. When God brought Israel out
of Egypt, it was to deliver them not only from slavery but also
from the occultism and sorcery of that land.
By what power will the nations be brought into unity and
led on to Armageddon? Rev. 16:13-16.
What did the apostle Paul declare the nations would be
saying just before Christ's return? 1 Thess. 5:2, 3.
While the nations will be talking peace, they will actually be
preparing for war. They will be making more diabolical wea-
pons of war. See Joel 3:9, 10. Spirits of devils working miracles
are instigating a program that will lead the nations to their
doom. Spiritualists declare they are "lifting civilization into the
Christ-age" and will "usher in the millennium." In Revelation
chapters 13 to 18 we are given a preview of the pageant when
the whole world will unite against God. But it will end in utter
defeat. Five times in chapter 18 we read "no more at all."
Verses 21-23. With civilization facing immense problems—the
threat of annihilation by nuclear power, world-wide violence,
famine, and perhaps others as yet unrecognized—it will be
natural for those not knowing God's Word to laud any plan
that promises to enhance the morality of society, to provide for
human needs, and to bring about worldwide peace.
If an outstanding leader were to appear claiming to bring
universal peace and at the same time healing the sick and
and working unbelievable miracles, how would I determine
whether or not I should support him?
"Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be re-
vealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-work-
ing demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of
the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception,
and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against
the government of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and sub-
jects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be
Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship which be-
long to the world's Redeemer. They will perform wonderful
miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from
heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures."—The
Great Controversy,
page 624.
69
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upper
LESSON 9
August 25-31
"And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed
are they which are called unto the mar-
riage supper of the Lamb. And he saith
unto me, These are the true sayings of
God. Rev. 19:9.
"In this life we can only begin to un-
derstand the wonderful theme of re-
demption. With our finite comprehension
we may consider most earnestly the
shame and the glory, the life and the
death, the justice and the mercy, that
meet in the cross; yet with the utmost
stretch of our mental powers we fail to
grasp its full significance. The length
and the breadth, the depth and the
height, of redeeming love are but dimly
comprehended. The plan of redemption
will not be fully understood, even when
the ransomed see as they are seen and
know as they are known; but through
the eternal ages new truth will contin-
ually unfold to the wondering and de-
lighted mind. Though the griefs and
pains and temptations of earth are ended
and the cause removed, the people of
God will ever have a distinct, intelligent
knowledge of what their salvation has
cost."—The
Great Controversy,
page
651.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Triumphant Chorus, Rev. 19:1-6
2.
The Bridegroom and the Bride, Rev.
19:7, 8
3.
Called to the Marriage Supper, Rev.
19:9, 10
4.
The Conqueror Comes, Rev. 19:11-16
5.
The Second Supper, Rev. 19:17, 18
6.
The Righteous Preserved, Rev. 19:
19-21
The Marriage Supper
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
August
25
"And after these things I heard a great voice of much
people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and
honour, and power, unto the lord our God: for true and
righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great
whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and
hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." Rev.
19:1, 2.
With the great system of evil and deception overthrown and
boastful Babylon now a desolation, the saints are about to re-
ceive their reward. So they lift their voices in this mighty
"Hallelujah Chorus."
What was the theme of the song John heard sung by the
multitude in heaven? Verses 1, 2.
When the prophet Daniel in vision was looking just beyond
our own day, his words of victory were: "The time came that
the saints possessed the kingdom." Dan. 7:22. But the great
usurper must first be dispossessed. Anticipating that, the saints
shout, "Alleluia; Salvation, and glory and honour, and power,
unto the Lord our God." Rev. 19:1. Three more times the
"Alleluia" appears in verses 2-6.
Who confirmed the song of the multitude? Verse 4.
"When the earthly warfare is accomplished, and the saints
are all gathered home, our first theme will be the song of
Moses, the servant of God. The second theme will be the song
of the Lamb, the song of grace and redemption. This song will
be louder, loftier, and in sublimer strains, echoing and reecho-
ing through the heavenly courts. Thus the song of God's provi-
dence is sung, connecting the varying dispensations; for all is
now seen without a veil between the legal, the prophetical,
and the gospel. The church history upon the earth and the
church redeemed in heaven all center around the cross of
Calvary. This is the theme, this is the song,—Christ all and in
all,—in anthems of praise resounding through heaven from
thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand and an in-
numerable company of the redeemed host. All unite in this
song of Moses and of the Lamb. It is a new song, for it was
never before sung in
heaven."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page
433.
THINK IT THROUGH
The song we will sing then is the story of our experience
here. In what ways is my life hindering preparation for sing-
ing that song of deliverance and redemption?
"Let all your powers be directed to pointing souls, confused,
bewildered, lost, to 'the Lamb of God.' Lift Him up, the risen
Saviour, and say to all who hear, Come to Him who 'hath loved
us, and hath given Himself for us.' Let the science of salva-
tion be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song."
—Evangelism,
page 185.
72
Part 1
THE TRIUMPHANT
CHORUS
The Marriage Supper
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
August
26
Part 2
THE BRIDEGROOM
AND THE BRIDE
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for
the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made
herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be
arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is
the righteousness of saints." Rev. 19:7, 8.
For what does God call His servants to rejoice? Verse 7.
"Many are the allusions to this marriage supper in the New
Testament. It is referred to in the parable of the marriage of
the king's son (Matthew 22:1-14), and again in Luke 14:16-24.
It is the time when we shall eat bread in the kingdom of God
when we are recompensed at the resurrection of the just. (Luke
14:12-15.) It is the time when we shall drink of the fruit of the
vine with our Redeemer in His heavenly kingdom. (Matthew
26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18.) It is the time when we shall
sit at His table in the kingdom (Luke 22:30), and He will gird
Himself, and come forth and serve us (Luke 12:37). Blessed
indeed are they who have the privilege of partaking of this
glorious feast."—Uriah Smith,
Daniel and the Revelation,
page
734.
What did John hear the multitude saying about the Lamb's
wife? Verse 7.
In what color raiment did John see the wife clothed, and
why? Verse 8.
What is represented by the bride? Rev. 21:9, 10.
In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul symbolized the church as a bride.
But a city without inhabitants is nothing more than a group of
buildings and streets. It is the people in the city that make it
what it is. Thus the bride is the New Jerusalem.
When God called Israel as a nation, what figure did He
use? Hosea 2:19.
THINK IT THROUGH
What do the symbols of Jesus as groom, city as bride, and
marriage supper at His advent teach about the relationship
of Jesus and the redeemed?
"Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can
make us meet to appear in God's presence. This covering, the
robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every re-
penting, believing soul....
"This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one
thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out
a perfect character, and this charatcer He offers to impart to
us."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 311.
73
The Marriage Supper
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
August
27
Part 3
CALLED TO
THE MARRIAGE
SUPPER
THINK IT THROUGH
74
"And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are
called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith
unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his
feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it
not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have
the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of
Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:9, 10.
What did the angel say of those called to the marriage
supper? Verse 9.
Why did the multitude rejoice? Verse 7.
Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." That place
is the Holy City. Abraham "looked for a city ... , whose builder
and maker is God." Heb. 11:10. The Holy City will be the
metropolis of the new earth to which the redeemed of all the
ages will come to worship God "from one sabbath to another."
Isa. 66:23.
When the angel finished speaking, what did John do?
Verse 10 (first part).
The prophet was enraptured and overwhelmed. We are told:
"The countenance of the angel grew radiant with joy and was
exceeding glorious, as he showed John the final triumph of the
church of God. . . . He [the apostle] was carried away with
the glory of the scene and with deep reverence and in awe
fell at the feet of the angel to worship him."—Early
Writings,
pages 230, 231.
How did the angel react to John's attempt to worship him?
Verse 10 (last part).
We are strictly counseled against the worshiping of angels.
See Col. 2:18. The gentle reproof given to John clearly reveals
the reason human beings are not to worship angels. He said,
"I am thy fellowservant." He had also served John's brethren,
the prophets. He was not divine, but a servant of God.
What did the angel say is the testimony of Jesus? Verse
10 (last part).
The spirit of prophecy means that Jesus is witnessing to
His church through the gift of prophecy.
To what extent is the testimony of Jesus, or the spirit of
prophecy, molding my life? Am I reading His counsel as
much as I should?
The Marriage Supper
LESSON 9
❑
Wednesday
August 28
Part 4
THE CONQUEROR
COMES
THINK IT THROUGH
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and
in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were
as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and
he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his
name is called The Word of God." Rev. 19: 11-13.
What happened to the heavens when John beheld this
scene? What color was the horse? Verse 11.
White horses, white linen, white robes all speak of Christ's
righteousness. See verse 8. It is in righteousness that He leads
forth the armies of heaven to war against all the united forces
of evil. We could say that this is the real battle of the great
day of God. "Spirits of devils, working miracles" have com-
bined the whole world in a determined effort to blot out the
name of God and the people of God. Can we imagine the effect
on the deluded masses when they see the Saviour in His maj-
esty leading the hosts of light as a conquering army?
How is the head of this conquering King adorned? Verse
12.
When John saw Him coming in power, how was He
clothed? Verse 13.
What Old Testament scripture gives the same picture?
Isa. 63:1-3.
When the One who was sacrified on Calvary comes in glory
to rout the enemy of God and man, He will bear on His person
a bloodstained robe, the receipt of the price He paid for our
redemption. In Gethsemane and on Calvary He trod the wine-
press alone. When He comes a glorious King, His foes will still
be out of harmony with Him in character.
How can Jesus be my King? Am I on His side in the com-
bat with evil?
"The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on
whose vesture is written the name, King of kings and Lord of
lords, leads forth the armies of heaven on white horses, clothed
in fine linen, clean and white. . . .
"All the world will be on one side or the other of the ques-
tion. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day
must find none of us sleeping. ...
"The power of the Holy Ghost must be upon us, and the
Captain of the Lord's host will stand at the head of the angels
of heaven to direct the battle."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 982.
75
The Marriage
Supper
LESSON 9
❑
Thursday
August 29
Part 5
THE SECOND
SUPPER
THINK IT THROUGH
"And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried
with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst
of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the
supper of the great God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings,
and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and
the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the
flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great."
Rev. 19:17, 18.
Notice here the contrast to the marriage supper of joy and
gladness where the righteous of all the ages assemble in the
Father's presence to celebrate the victory of the Lamb, and
where He comes forth to serve us. Verse 9. This is a different,
a tragic supper when the birds of prey gather to feast on the
flesh of kings and captains and all who have refused the in-
vitations to the marriage supper of the Lamb and continued
in their worldly way of life.
What does the apostle Paul state to be the punishment of
those who are unprepared for our Lord's return? 2 Thess.
1: 7-9.
The days in which we live must be days of preparation tc
meet our Lord in peace. The nations of earth seem to be pre
paring for war and bloodshed. But every human being who is
alive, whatever his social state, if he has not accepted salva-
tion, will be destroyed by the brightness of that glory in the sky
What does the great apostle say particularly about the
man of sin and how he will meet his end? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 8
"We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy ... and
to understand the progress of events in the marshalling of the
nations for the final conflict of the great controversy."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 8, p. 307.
What more can I do to call the attention of the world k
the great events just before us? What did I do last week k
open someone's eyes to the truth for this time?
"When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, th(
true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. ... The peopl(
of God will draw together and present to the enemy a unite(
front....
"Then will the message of the third angel swell to a lou(
cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of th(
Lord."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 401.
76
The Marriage Supper
LESSON 9
❑
Friday
August 30
Part 6
THE RIGHTEOUS
PRESERVED
THINK IT THROUGH
"And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and
their armies, gathered together to make war against him that
sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was
taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles
before him, with which he deceived them that had received
the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image.
These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with
brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him
that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his
mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." Rev.
19:19-21.
Who comprise the armies of the beast in the final battle?
Verse 19.
Where were the beast, the false prophet and all the unholy
retinue cast? Verse 20.
The lake of fire here mentioned is not the final lake of fire
at the end of the millenium. In this nineteenth chapter the
prophet is discussing events connected with the second advent
of Christ, one of which is the fiery destruction of the living
wicked. Paul, describing our Lord being "revealed from heaven
with his mighty angels," says it will be "in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them . . . that obey not the gospel." 2 Thess.
1:7, 8. The presence of the Lord and the glory of His power
will destroy all who have linked themselves with the devil and
his angels.
Revelation 19:21 in the New English Bible reads: "The rest
were killed by the sword which went out of the Rider's mouth";
that is, the voice of Christ, who calls the righteous dead to
arise.
What will it mean to be alive to see the Saviour coming
in all His glory? It will take special preparation to stand
unafraid in that tremendous hour.
"When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the in-
habitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must
live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The
restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and
Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God's long-
suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, de-
spised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have
passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, per-
sistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by
divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one.
Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one
great, final trouble."—The
Great Controversy,
page 614.
77
LESSON 10
September 1-7
"Blessed and holy is •he that hath part in
the first resurrection: on such the second
death hath no power, but they shall be priests
of God and of Christ, and shall reign with
him a thousand years." Rev. 20:6.
It is unfortunate that the word "millennium"
is too often thought of by well-meaning Chris-
tians as a period of prosperity on earth with
Christ reigning as King in old Jerusalem. There
is no Scriptural warrant for such- an interpre-
tation. The word itself simply means a thou-
sand years and nothing more. Any period of
1,000 years is a millennium. Christians gen-
erally agree with the Scriptural prophecy
which clearly states that the devil will be
bound a thousand years. But where will be
his prison? The Scripture says it will be on
this earth.
Seventh-day Adventists, from our very early
days, have taught that when Jesus returns in
glory He will destroy the wicked by the bright-
ness of His coming, while the righteous will be
either raised from the dead or translated and
will accompany Christ and His angels back to
the "Father's house," leaving the earth abso-
lutely devoid of life—a real prison-house for
Satan and his rebel angels.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Devil Bound, Rev. 20:1-3
2.
Martyrs Honored, Rev. 20:4-6
3.
Loosing of the Devil, Rev. 20:7, 8
4.
The Devil Attacks, Rev. 20:9
5.
The Final Judgment, Rev. 20:12, 13
6.
The Controversy Ended, Rev. 20:14, 15
The Devil's End
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
September 1
"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the
key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And
he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the
Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast
him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal
upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till
the thousand years should be fulfilled." Rev. 20:1-3.
The history of this little planet, Earth, is the story of a con-
flict between two opposing forces—the kingdom of light and
truth led by the Son of God and His angels, and the kingdom
of darkness and error led by Satan and his angels.
What was the third temptation that Satan presented to
Jesus in the wilderness? Matt. 4:8-10.
It was
to bring this little world back into harmony with the
universe, and to save mankind from the dominion of the devil,
that the Son of God left the glories of heaven, came to this
world, lived a sinless life, and died a vicarious death. He did
all this to give every human being an opportunity of breaking
from the power of Satan, and by grace, becoming a member
of the family of God. But the time is coming when the devil
will be arrested and, together with his angels and all who
follow him, will finally be destroyed.
What was in the hand of the angel mentioned in Rev.
20:1?
What did the angel do with the devil? Verse 2.
Satan is a spirit-being, and of course no spirit can be bound
by a literal chain. It must therefore be a chain of circumstances.
We ourselves use that figure of speech at times, saying, for
example, "I cannot come, for I am bound," meaning circum-
stances make it impossible to comply with some request. Just
so the devil will be bound by a chain of circumstances, every
link forged by an event over which neither he nor his angels
has any power.
Am I, with Satan, bound to this world, or am I unbound
from it and free in Jesus awaiting translation?
"For six thousand years the great controversy has been in
progress; the Son of God and His heavenly messengers have
been in conflict with the power of the evil one, to warn, en-
lighten, and save the children of men. Now all have made their
decisions; the wicked have fully united with Satan in his war-
fare against God. The time has come for God to vindicate the
authority of His downtrodden law. Now the controversy is not
alone with Satan, but with men. 'The Lord hath a controversy
with the nations;' He will give them that are wicked to the
sword."—The
Great Controversy,
page 656.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 657-659.
80
Part 1
THE DEVIL BOUND
THINK IT THROUGH
The Devil's End
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
September 2
Part 2
Whom did John see sitting on thrones of judgment and
MARTYRS HONORED
reigning with Christ during the thousand years?
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judg-
ment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that
were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word
of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his
image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads,
or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a
thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until
the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrec-
tion. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resur-
rection: on such the second death hath no power, but they
shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with
him a thousand years." Rev. 20:4-6.
Where did the martyrs come from, and how did they get
to be living with Christ? Verse 5.
What great event marks the second advent of Christ?
1 Thess. 4:16.
What did Jesus say about the two resurrections? John
5:28, 29.
"During the thousand years between the first and the second
resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apos-
tle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the
second advent. [1 Cor. 4:5 quoted.] . . . In union with Christ
they [the saints] judge the wicked, comparing their acts with
the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according
to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the
wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and
it is recorded against their names in the book of death."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 660, 661.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why should saints judge angels?
"Jesus comes in a mighty, threefold glory that is beyond
our comprehension. No wonder the wicked are unable to look
upon Him and live. They will be smitten down as if by an atomic
flash. The heat and power of that 'explosion' will be terrific.
"This is not some tremendous cosmic catastrophe triggered
by man; it is the work of God. And notice, it affects only those
who are unable to endure the light of His glory."—H. M. S.
Richards,
What Jesus Said,
pages 544, 545.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 660, 661.
81
The Devil's End
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
September 3
Part
3
LOOSING OF
THE DEVIL
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall
be loosed out of his prison. And shall go out to deceive the
nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and
Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of
whom is as the sand of the sea." Rev. 20:7, 8.
What will happen to Satan at the end of the thousand
years? Verse 7.
What is John's description of the length of Satan's release?
Verse 3 (last part).
The wording of verse 3 is very revealing. He will deceive
the nations no more
till
the thousand years are expired. Why
has he not been able to carry on his work of deception? Simply
because the righteous have all been taken from this world to
the Father's house, and the wicked have not been raised from
the dead.
What does Scripture say of those who are raised in the
first resurrection? Verse 6.
When the earth is depopulated, Satan and his angels will
be confined to this planet. There will be no one to tempt and
deceive. Satan will not be slain by the brightness of Christ's
glory as will be the case with the wicked humans. He will be
able to view the tragic results of his rebellion. But how is he
loosed? If the destruction of all the living wicked constituted
Satan's binding, then the reversal of that will constitute his
loosing.
What event takes place at the close of the 1,000 years?
Verses 12, 13.
The resurrected wicked are the ones the devil goes out to
deceive and organize into a fighting force. Each one of these
could have been a citizen of God's kingdom.
THINK IT THROUGH
The tragedy of billions of lost people made in the image
of God! What can I do to help prevent the loss of some?
Those who rise from the grave after the thousand years
come forth for judgment.
"Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His
people. Says Paul: 'Know ye not that we shall judge angels?'
Verse 3 [of 1 Cor. 6]. And Jude declares that 'the angels
which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation,
He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto
the judgment of the great day.' Jude 6."—Th
e Great Contro-
versy,
page 661.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
page 662.
82
The Devil's End
LESSON 10
❑
Wednesday
September 4
Part 4
THE DEVIL ATTACKS
THINK IT THROUGH
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and com-
passed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city:
and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured
them." Rev. 20:9.
Against what does the devil lead his deceived multitudes
at the end of the thousand years? Verse 9.
The question naturally arises, Where was "the beloved city"
during the millennium? John wrote in Revelation 21:2 that he
saw it "coming down from God out of heaven."
"As the New Jerusalem, in its dazzling splendor, comes
down out of heaven, it rests upon the place purified and made
ready to receive it, and Christ, with His people and the angels,
enters the Holy City."—The
Great Controversy,
page 663. The
attention of the multitude is again arrested as, high above the
city, God unfolds in a panorama the whole history of sin and
salvation.
"Now Christ again appears to the view of His enemies. Far
above the city, upon a foundation of burnished gold, is a throne,
high and lifted up. Upon this throne sits the Son of God, and
around Him are the subjects of His kingdom. The power and
majesty of Christ no language can describe, no pen portray."
—The Great Controversy,
page 665.
"Coming near to the city, the wicked will be able to gaze
through its transparent walls of jasper. To their astonishment
they will recognize some in that city whom they have despised.
But these are inside the city and saved, while they themselves
are outside the city and lost."—R. A. Anderson,
Unfolding the
Revelation,
page 197.
How did our Lord describe the effect of this scene upon
those who merely profess to serve Him? Luke 13:28.
This will be the first and last time the whole human race, of
all the ages, will meet. What a scene that will be! The effects
of sin will be self-evident to the whole universe.
What will be accomplished by the second life of the
wicked? Why resurrect them?
"Satan seems paralyzed as he beholds the glory and majesty
of Christ. He who was once a covering cherub remembers
whence he has fallen. A shining seraph, 'son of the morning;'
how changed, how degraded! From the council where once he
was honored, he is forever excluded. He sees another now
standing near to the Father, veiling His glory."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 669.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 663-665.
83
The Devil's End
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
September 5
Part 5
THE FINAL
JUDGMENT
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
and the books were opened: and another book was opened,
which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of
those things which were written in the books, according to
their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in 'it;
and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in
them: and they were judged every man according to their
works." Rev. 20:12, 13.
What is the source of information for the judgment of the
wicked? Verse 12.
These closing verses of the twentieth chapter of Revelation
present the last acts of rebellion and how God finally disposes
of sin and sinners.
Twice in Scripture we read "the books were opened." Dan.
7:10 and Rev. 20:12. "The following classification appears in
GC 480, 481: (1) the book of life, wherein are recorded the
names of all those who have accepted the service of God; (2)
the book of remembrance, a record of the good deeds of the
saints; and (3) a record of the sins of men. In the record of a
vision of the executive phase of the judgment at the end of
the 1000 years the following classification appears: (1) the
book of life, containing a record of the good deeds of the
saints; (2) the book of death, containing the record of the evil
deeds of the unrepentant, (3) the statute book, the Bible, ac-
cording to whose standard men are judged (EW
52)."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Dan. 7:10.
"In the books of heaven our lives are as accurately traced
as in the picture on the plate of the photographer. Not only are
we held accountable for what we have done, but for what we
have left undone. We are held to account for our undeveloped
characters, our unimproved opportunities."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 987.
When Jesus returns, what will He bring with Him? Rev.
22:12.
Some will receive the reward of everlasting life; others will
receive everlasting death. Each reward will be the result of the
individual's deliberate choice. Those who in the end are finally
destroyed in the fires of God are there because of their own
choosing. Before that final day of judgment and retribution all
will have had opportunity to make the right choice. And each
day we are choosing life or death by our thoughts and actions.
THINK IT THROUGH
What kind of choices am I making day by day? See Deut.
30:19.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 666-670.
84
The Devil's End
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
September 6
Part 6
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This
THE CONTROVERSY
is the second death. And whosoever was not found written
ENDED
in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev. 20:
14, 15.
What is this final destruction called? Verse 14.
When sin and rebellion finally come to their end, it will also
be the end of death itself. We die the first death because of
Adam's sin. The Scripture says: "As in Adam all die, even so
in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Cor. 15:22. Only those who
are "in Christ" escape the second death. Of those "accounted
worthy to obtain that world, [the new earth] and the resurrec-
tion," Jesus says, "neither can they die any more." Luke 20:35,
36. And Paul says, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death." 1 Cor. 15:26.
What will Christ, the Judge, have to say to the wicked?
Matt. 25:41.
THINK IT THROUGH
"The final scene in the drama of the ages is described in
these simple words: 'And fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them
[the
wicked].' Revelation 20:9.
This is the 'day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.'
2 Peter 3:7. This is the end of the wicked. This is God's great
antiseptic that prepares the world for its re-creation. This is
the cleansing, purifying fire that fits the earth to be the home
of the redeemed. 'And whosoever was not found written in the
book of life was cast into the lake of fire.' Rev. 20:15.
Those
are not human words; they are God's words."—H.
M. S. Rich-
ards,
What Jesus Said,
page 549.
How can we make clear to our Christian friends, and
others, how God will annihilate evil? It will be brief but
eternal in its effects.
"A terrible conflict is before us. We are nearing the battle
of the great day of God Almighty. That which has been held
in control is to be let loose. The angel of mercy is folding her
wings, preparing to step down from the throne and leave the
world to the control of Satan. The principalities and powers of
earth are in bitter revolt against the God of heaven. They are
filled with hatred against those who serve Him, and soon, very
soon, will be fought the last great battle between good and
evil. The earth is to be the battlefield—the scene of the final
contest and the final victory."—My
Lite Today,
page 308.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 671-673.
85
r
f
LESSON 11
September 8-14
"And 1 heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." Rev. 21:3.
"In the school of Christ students never graduate. Among the pupils are both
the old and the young. Those who give heed to the instructions of the Divine
Teacher constantly advance in wisdom, refinement, and nobility of soul, and
thus they are prepared to enter that higher school, where advancement will
continue throughout eternity....
"To dwell forever in this home of the blest, to bear in soul, body, and spirit,
not the dark traces of sin and the curse, but the perfect likeness of our Creator,
and through ceaseless ages to advance in wisdom, in knowledge and holi-
ness, ever exploring new fields of thought, ever finding new wonders and new
glories, ever increasing in capacity to know and to enjoy and to love, and know-
ing that there is still beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite—such is the
object to which the Christian hope is pointing.
"In the world to come Christ will lead the redeemed beside the river of life
and will teach them wonderful lessons of truth. He will unfold to them the mys-
teries of nature. They will see that a master hand holds the world in position."
—My Life Today,
page 361.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
A New Heaven and a New Earth, Rev. 21:1-3
2.
Tears and Death Banished, Rev. 21:4-7
3.
The City—I, Rev. 21:8-11
4.
The City-11, Rev. 21:12-14, 18
5.
The City—Ill, Rev. 21:15-21
6.
God's Glory, Rev. 21:22-27
The Holy City
LESSON 11
❑
Sunday
September 8
Part 1
A NEW HEAVEN
AND A NEW EARTH
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first
heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was
no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of
heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."
Rev. 21:1-3.
What outstanding difference did John note between the
new earth and the present earth? Verse 1.
"The sea divides friends. It is a barrier between us and
those whom we love. Our associations are broken up by the
broad, fathomless ocean. In the new earth there will be no
more sea, and there shall pass there 'no galley with oars.' In
the past many who have loved and served God have been
bound by chains to their seats in galleys, compelled to serve
the purpose of cruel, hardhearted men. The Lord has looked
upon their suffering in sympathy and compassion. Thank God,
in the earth made new there will be no fierce torrents, no en-
gulfing ocean, no restless, murmuring waves."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 988.
What promise did God make through Isaiah? Isa. 65:17.
"All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the gar-
ments of praise and thanksgiving—the robe of Christ's righ-
teousness.
"All nature in its surpassing loveliness will offer to God a
constant tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be
bathed in the light of heaven. The years will move on in glad-
ness. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and
the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now.
Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the
sons of God will shout for joy, while Christ and God will unite
in proclaiming, 'There shall be no more sin, neither shall there
by any more death.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 988.
What is the greatest promise of all about the new earth?
Verse 3 (last part).
We
will have not only a new world, but the Creator of the
universe will be our King. "God Himself" will be with us, dwell-
ing on this renewed earth.
How can I arrange for more time to ponder these tremen-
dous truths? Is my life being shaped by this revelation of
divine love?
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 506-508.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
88
The Holy City
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
September
9
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things
are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Be-
hold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for
these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It
is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and
I will be his God, and he shall be my son." Rev. 21:4-7.
God wipes away tears by removing all causes of sorrow.
Pain will be banished forever, and death will be unknown in
that land of delights.
What are the promises given in verse 4?
The "former things" or the "old order" (NEB) is no more.
All is different.
"We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so
small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight
of glory that surrounded us that we could not speak them out,
and we all cried out, 'Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!' and
we touched our glorious harps and made heaven's arches
ring."—Early
Writings,
page 17.
What are the words of the One who sits on the throne?
Verse 5.
Part 2
TEARS AND DEATH
BANISHED
THINK IT THROUGH
"This earth is not to be destroyed, but to be renewed. It will
be an eternal witness of God's great love."—R. A. Anderson,
Unfolding the Revelation,
page 201.
What is the one condition to be an inheritor of all these
glories? Verse 7.
The overcomer will not be just a visitor, much less an alien
in that world of wonders. He will belong to the family. God will
be his Father, and God says, "He shall be my son."
To whom is the water of life to be given? Verse 6.
What kind of literature or amusements do I enjoy? Am I
thirsting for "the water of life," or am I satisfied to drink
from the polluted fountains of this world?
"The earth itself, the very field that Satan claims as his, is
to be not only ransomed but exalted. Our little world, under
the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation,
will be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 26.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 9, pp. 286, 287.
89
The Holy City
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
September 10
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable,
and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idola-
ters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which
burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had
the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with
me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the
Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great
and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy
Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the
glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most pre-
cious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." Rev. 21:8-11.
Who invited John to witness this city descending from
God? Verse 9.
What a contrast this was to the tragic picture of destruction
the prophet had witnessed when the earth was devastated and
the great cities of earth collapsed! How the exiled prophet
must have responded to this scene of glory!
But who were deprived from entering that city of light
and purity? Verse 8.
Note that the list begins with those called the "fearful," or
the cowardly, those who give up in time of trial. Then come
the "unbelieving," or the untrustworthy. Then the "abomi-
nable," meaning those from whom one turns in disgust. The
"murderous" are those who follow in the footsteps of Cain. The
term "whoremongers," or fornicators, includes those who sin
sexually. "Sorcerers" are those who practice magic and
spiritualism. The designation "idolators" takes in more than
the heathen. Christians can also be idolators. And "all liars"
is a significant expression. While Christians would not tell lies,
yet it is possible to "make lies" by a nod or a gesture. Even
to say nothing may amount to lying.
Where will the sinner be found at last? Verse 8 (last part).
THINK IT THROUGH
What does self-examination reveal about my relationship
to this list of sins which will at last keep many out of the
Holy City? Paul says, "Let a man examine himself." 1 Cor.
11:28.
"God does not force the will or judgment of any. He takes
no pleasure in a slavish obedience. He desires that the crea-
tures of His hands shall love Him because He is worthy of
love. He would have them obey Him because they have an
intelligent appreciation of His wisdom, justice, and benevo-
lence."—The
Great Controversy,
page 541.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 67-70.
90
Part 3
THE CITY—I
The Holy City
LESSON 11
❑
Wednesday
September11
Part 4
THE CITY—II
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates,
and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon,
which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of
Israel: on the east three gates; on the north three gates; on
the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the
wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the
names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
"And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the
city was pure gold, like unto clear glass." Rev. 21:12-14, 18.
What did John see surrounding the Holy City? Verse 12.
Whose names were engraved on the twelve gates? Verse
12.
Whose names did John see on the magnificent founda-
tions? Verse 14.
The fact that the twelve tribes of Israel are mentioned along
with the twelve apostles of the Lamb shows that this city be-
longs to God's people of all ages and dispensations. It is not
a Jewish city but the dwelling place of God Himself.
Who are stationed as the gatekeepers of this city? Verse
12.
It is not that these entrances need to be guarded, but angels
who, through all the centuries have been "sent forth to min-
ister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb. 1:14),
stand at the gates of this mighty city to welcome those who
come and go through the gates. And what a welcome it will be
for those who by the grace of their Lord have overcome all
the power of the enemy and have a right to the tree of life!
THINK IT THROUGH
How do I react to the thought of living in the city Jesus
has prepared for me?
"The veil that interposes between the visible and the invis-
ible world will be drawn aside, and wonderful things will be
revealed....
"There all who have wrought with unselfish spirit will behold
the fruit of their labors. The outworking of every right prin-
ciple and noble deed will be seen. . . . How little of the result
of the world's noblest work is in this life manifest to the doer!
. . . Parents and teachers lie down in their last sleep, their
lifework seeming to have been wrought in vain; they know not
that their faithfulness has unsealed springs of blessing that
can never cease to flow; only by faith they see the children
they have trained become a benediction and an inspiration to
their fellow men, and the influence repeat itself a thousand-
fold. . . . In the hereafter the action and reaction of all these
will be
seen."—Education,
pages 304-306.
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pages 13-19.
91
The Holy City
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
September 12
Part 5
THE CITY—III
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
92
"And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure
the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And
the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the
breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thou-
sand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of
it are equal."
"And the foundations of the wall of the city were gar-
nished with all manner of precious stones. The first founda-
tion was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony;
the fourth, an emerald.... And the twelve gates were twelve
pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street
of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass."
Rev. 21:15, 16, 19-21.
What is the shape of this capital city of the new earth?
Verse 16.
Some have asked if the city will be able to accommodate
the millions of the saved. The measurements given by the angel
are amazing. Who could imagine a city nearly 1,500 miles in
circumference or 375 on each side. The jasper walls of that
city enclose 2,250,000 square miles! Someone has estimated
that all the people who have ever lived on this earth from
Adam's time to our own could crowd into that giant city, and
there would still be room for visitors from other worlds. But
only those who have accepted of God's grace and been obe-
dient to all the truth the Lord has revealed will enter there.
What feature of the city is a strange contrast with earthly
cities? Verse 18.
In
The Great Controversy,
pages 674, 675 we read: "A fear
of making the future inheritance seem too material has led
many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look
upon it as our home."
Am I permitting the trials and disappointments of this
present life to rob me of the anticipation of the glories of the
life to come?
"Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Reve-
lation as mysterious, and of less importance than other portions
of the Sacred Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a
revelation given for the especial benefit of those who should
live in the last days, to guide them in ascertaining their true
position and their duty."—Early
Writings,
page 231.
Education,
pages 301-305.
The Holy City
LESSON 11
❑
Friday
September 13
"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need
of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory
of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And
the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light
of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and
honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by
day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring
the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall
in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither what-
soever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which
are written in the Lamb's book of life." Rev. 21:22-27.
What is absent in the New Jerusalem which was the center
of old Jerusalem? Why? Verse 22.
What kind of illumination will this city have? Verse 23.
"Light-giving bodies will not be imperative for the illumina-
tion of the city. The glorious effulgence of the presence of God
will give more than sufficient light (cf. Isa. 60:19, 20). Material
things are not indispensable in God's plan; in His presence
they are put to shame (cf. Isa. 24:23). Created light cannot
outshine the uncreated glory of the divine presence."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 21:23.
What nations will bring honor to the Holy City? Verse 24.
"The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every
trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell
will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.
"One reminder alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever bear
the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon
His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel
work that sin has wrought. . . . And the tokens of His humilia-
tion are His highest honor; through the eternal ages the wounds
of Calvary will show forth His praise and declare His power."
—The Great Controversy,
page 674.
THINK IT THROUGH
How am I preparing to live in the city lighted by the
glory of God?
"This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time
spent here is the Christian's winter. Here the chilly winds of
affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against
us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sigh-
ing will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian's sum-
mer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness
or death. 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying . . . :
for the former things are passed away.' "—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 988.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 676-678.
93
Part 6
GOD'S GLORY
LESSON 12
September 15-21
"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12.
"In the plan of redemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself
can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels desire to look. The redeemed
only, of all created beings, have in their own experience known the actual
conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could
not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings. . . .
"He 'hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places:
. . . that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace
in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.'
"—My Life Today,
page 368.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
River and Tree of Life, Rev. 22:1, 2
2.
The Throne of God and the Lamb,
Rev. 22:3, 4
3.
They Shall See His Face, Rev. 22:
4, 5
4.
Behold, I Come Quickly, Rev. 22:
6, 7
5.
Blessed Are They, Rev. 22:7-10
6.
The Time Is at Hand, Rev. 22:10-12
In God's Presence
LESSON 12
❑
Sunday
September 15
Part 1
RIVER AND
TREE OF LIFE
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
96
"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as
crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the
Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of
the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve man-
ner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the
leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Rev.
22:1, 2.
What did John see proceeding from God's throne? Verse 1.
What was growing on either side of the river? Verse 2.
"The picture thus presented before the mind is this: The
glorious throne of God at the head of this broad way, or ave-
nue; out of that throne the river of life, flowing lengthwise
through the center of the street; and the tree of life growing
on either side, forming a high and magnificent arch over that
majestic stream, and spreading its life-bearing branches far
away on either side. . . .
"But how can the tree of life be but one tree, and still be
on either side of the river? It is evident that there is but one
tree of life. From Genesis to the Revelation it is spoken of as
but one—the tree of life. To be at once on both sides of the
river, it must have more than one trunk, in which case it would
be united above in order to form but one tree."—Uriah Smith,
Daniel and the Revelation,
pages 771, 772.
What did John say about the leaves of the tree? Verse 2
(last part).
Some translations read "the service of the nations" which
is better, for in that land of delights there will be no sickness,
pain, or death.
"The fruit of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden possessed
supernatural virtue. To eat of it was to live forever. Its fruit was
the antidote of death. Its leaves were for the sustaining of life
and immortality."—Testimonies, Vol. 8, p. 288.
Am I anticipating with joy that time when our great
Teacher will lead us to the tree of life and explain the plan
of redemption?
"The tree of life is a representation of the preserving care
of Christ for His children. As Adam and Eve ate of this tree,
they acknowledged their dependence upon God. The tree of
life possessed the power to perpetuate life, and as long as they
ate of it, they could not die. The lives of the antediluvians
were protracted because of the life-giving power of this tree,
which was transmitted to them from Adam and Eve."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 988.
The Great Controversy,
page 675.
In God's Presence
LESSON 12
❑
Monday
September 16
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God
and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve
him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in
their foreheads." Rev. 22: 3, 4.
What do we have to endure in the world today that will
be missing in the new earth? Verse 3, (first part).
The simple emphatic expression "the throne of God and
of the Lamb" is very revealing. When Lucifer challenged God
for His throne and then ultimately won the allegiance of Adam,
this newly created world became the battleground of the forces
of good and evil. Adam was no longer a king with the oversight
of earth. He became a servant of sin under the dominion of
Satan.
Having yielded to the devil, Adam thereby passed on sin to
all his posterity. Rom. 5:12. We were lost, hopelessly lost; but
in the fullness of time God Himself, in the person of Jesus
Christ, came to take the place of Adam—to pay the penalty of
sin, to suffer and die a vicarious death on our behalf. Pointing
Him out in the crowd, John the Baptist cried out with confi-
dence: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin
of the world." John 1:29. Three and a half years later He was
led as a lamb to the slaughter. But He rose from the dead and
ascended to His Father. While reigning as coregent of the
universe He also is our great High Priest, officiating as both
Priest and Victim, as Offerer and Offering—the Lamb of God.
So the throne of the universe is called "the throne of God and
of the Lamb." It was as the Lamb of God that He offered Him-
self for a lost world and a lost race.
In the ages of eternity to come the eternal throne of Deity
will always be "the throne of the Lamb." We will never exhaust
the theme of our redemption.
The world we know today is under a three-fold curse—thorns
and thistles (Gen. 3:17); diminished production (Gen. 4:12);
and the Flood (Gen. 8:21).
How have these curses affected my life?
"All faces will reflect the image of their Redeemer. There
will then be no anxious, troubled countenances, but all will
be bright, and smiling in spotless purity. The angels will be
there, also the resurrected saints with the martyrs, and the
best of all, and what will cause us the most joy, our lovely
Saviour, who suffered and died that we might enjoy that hap-
piness and freedom, will be there.—His glorious face will shine
brighter than the sun, and light up the beautiful city and reflect
glory all around."—My
Life
Today, page 357.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pages 306-309.
97
Part 2
THE THRONE OF
GOD AND THE LAMB
THINK IT THROUGH
In God's Presence
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
September 17
Part 3
THEY SHALL SEE
HIS FACE
"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in
their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they
need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God
giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
Rev. 22:4, 5.
What wonderful promise is given to the saints of God?
Verse 4.
What about the Holy City will be different from any
earthly city? Verse 5.
"In the City of God 'there shall be no night.' None will need
or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will
of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel
the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its
close. 'And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for
the Lord God giveth them light.' Revelation 22:5. The light of
the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not pain-
fully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the bright-
ness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods
the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the
sunless glory of perpetual day."—The
Great Controversy,
page
676.
The righteous will walk in that radiant city and know they
have a right there. Not that any of their works earned them
a place in God's kingdom, but because they have accepted
His invitation to become members of His family through grace,
and grace alone. Any works of righteousness we do are not to
earn salvation, but because we have already received salva-
tion.
"The people of God are privileged to hold open communion
with the Father and the Son. 'Now we see through a glass,
darkly.' 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God
reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His
dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face,
without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence
and behold the glory of His countenance."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 676, 677.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I fully received that salvation? Am I relying on God's
grace alone for my salvation?
"Oh, the wonders of redeeming love! the rapture of that
hour when the infinite Father, looking upon the ransomed, shall
behold His image, sin's discord banished, its blight removed,
the human once more in harmony with the divine!"—The
Great
Controversy,
page 646.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 674-676.
98
In God's Presence
LESSON 12
❑
Wednesday
September 18
"And he said unto me, these sayings are faithful and
true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel
to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be
clone. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the
sayings of the prophecy of this book." Rev. 22:6, 7.
When the voice from heaven unfolded the future to John,
what was its special emphasis? Verse 7.
The keynote of the Revelation is the second coming of
Christ. "The attention of the people should be called to the
momentous event which is so near at hand. The signs of the
times should be kept fresh before their minds. The prophetic
visions of Daniel and John foretell a period of moral darkness
and declension; but at the time of the end, the time in which
we are now living, the vision was to speak and not lie. When
the signs predicted begin to come to pass, the waiting, watch-
ing ones are bidden to look up and lift up their heads and re-
joice because their redemption draweth nigh."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp. 9, 10.
It is those who will live in harmony with the message of
the book of Revelation that are here called "blessed" or
"happy."
"Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming
with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. He is
coming with all the holy angels with Him. While all the world
is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling of
the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appear-
ing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor, and Christ
the Redeemer will be admired by all who have served Him.
While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ's followers
will rejoice."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 420, 421.
In what way will the wicked react to the blazing glory of
Christ? Rev. 6:15-17.
Because of the tremendous issues involved, the Lord is
sending an urgent appeal, His last appeal, to all the world.
The three angels' messages of Revelation 14 are the heart of
that appeal.
What is the urgency of God's message for this generation?
"God has presented to me the dangers that are threatening
those who have been given the sacred work of proclaiming the
third angel's message. They are to remember that this message
is of the utmost consequence to the whole world. They need
to search the Scriptures diligently, that they may learn how to
guard against the mystery of iniquity, which plays so large a
part in the closing scenes of this earth's history."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 980.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp. 266, 267.
99
Part 4
BEHOLD I COME
QUICKLY
THINK IT THROUGH
In God's Presence
LESSON 12
❑
Thursday
September 19
Part 5
BLESSED ARE THEY
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
100
"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the
sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these
things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I
fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which
shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou
do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the
prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book:
worship God." Rev. 22:7-9.
A special blessing is pronounced on those who
keep
the
sayings of the prophecies of this book. As we have noticed
in previous lessons, the great majority of those who study
Revelation push its prophecies away off into the future. Not only
do they lose the blessing the Lord has promised, but they are
left unprepared for the tremendous events which will most
definitely affect all believers.
What did the angel say to John at the conclusion of the
great revelation he had received? Verse 10.
When Daniel received his visions, he was told to seal some
of them. On the other hand John's visions were relevant to his
day. But even more relevant to our day, "for the time is at
hand."
"Christ the Revelator, foreseeing the warfare that would be
waged against the study of the Revelation, pronounced a bless-
ing upon all who should read, hear, and observe the words of
the prophecy."—The
Great Controversy,
page 342.
When John received this revelation, what was his attitude
toward the angel? Verse 8.
This was the second time John sought to worship the angel.
And he met the same rebuke. The heavenly messenger wanted
him to know that he too was a creature and could not accept
worship due to God alone.
Am I studying these prophecies of Revelation and related
prophecies concerning our day as diligently as is urged by
the spirit of prophecy? Am I keeping abreast of the times?
"As we near the close of time, there will be greater and
still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities
will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves
before the cities of the world. . . . All need wisdom carefully
to search out the mystery of iniquity that figures so largely in
the winding up of this earth's
history."—Testimonies to Min-
isters,
pages 117, 118.
Early Writings,
pages 230, 231.
In God's Presence
LESSON 12
❑
Friday
September 20
Part 6
THE TIME IS AT
HAND
THINK IT THROUGH
"And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the proph-
ecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let
him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy
still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and
he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come
quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man
according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:10-12.
"The time is at hand" said the voice from heaven to John.
But what time? The time indicated by the prophecies. And
those "things" (verse 6) meet their climax in the second com-
ing of Christ.
What solemn pronouncement is made just prior to our
Saviour's return? Verse 11.
"When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the
destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Proba-
tion is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in
the clouds of heaven....
"The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the
earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building,
eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable
decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before
the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and
shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing
not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, plea-
sure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judg-
ment. 'So,' says the Saviour, 'shall also the coming of the Son
of man be.' Matthew 24:39. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight
thief, will come the decisive hour which marks
,
the fixing of
every man's destiny, the final withdrawal of nnercy's offer to
guilty men."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 490, 491.
Who makes the pronouncement? Verse 12.
The same One who comes in glory bringing His rewards
with Him is the One who, as Judge, pronounces the sentence.
See John 5:22, 27.
Those who are "unjust," because "unjustified," remain un-
just. Those who are "holy" remain holy for all eternity. There
will be no further opportunity to accept salvation.
How shall I be just before God and the judgment?
"God designed that the Prince of sufferers in humanity
should be judge of the whole world. . . . He alone is to pro-
nounce the sentence of reward or of punishment. . . . Both
saints and sinners will recognize in him who was crucified the
Judge of all living."—Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald,
Nov.
22, 1898.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 130.
101
vnuitcrtioli
"Everyone who heareth is to say:
Come. Not only the ministers, but
the people. All are to join in the
invitation. Not only by their pro-
fession, but by their character and
dress, all are to have a winning in-
fluence. They are made trustees for
the world, executors of the will of
One who has bequeathed sacred
truth to men." — "Testimonies,"
Vol.
5,
p.
207.
LESSON 13
September
22-28
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth
say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.
"We
are living in the closing scenes of this earth's history....
We have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let us not be found
sleeping on guard.... Let us persuade men and women everywhere
to repent and flee from the wrath to come. Let us arouse them to
immediate preparation, for we little know what is before us....
"He [the Lord] is soon coming, and we must be ready and wait-
ing for His appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be to see Him and
be welcomed as His redeemed ones! ... If we can but see the
King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I must
cry aloud: 'Homeward bound!' We are nearing the time when Christ
will come in power and great glory to take His ransomed ones to
their eternal home....
"In the great closing work we shall meet with perplexities that we
know not how to deal with; but let us not forget that the three
great powers of heaven are working, that a divine hand is on the
wheel, and that God will bring His promises to pass. He will gather
from the world a people who will serve Him in righteousness."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp. 252-254.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Blessed, Rev. 22:13, 14
2.
Those Outside the City, Rev. 22:15
3.
The Bright and Morning Star, Rev. 22:16
4.
The Final Invitation, Rev. 22:17
5.
Christ's Last Warning, Rev. 22:18, 19
6.
Even So, Come, Lord Jesus, Rev. 22: 20, 21
The Invitation
LESSON 13
❑
Sunday
September 22
Part 1
THE BLESSED
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
104
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the
first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter
in through the gates into the city." Rev. 22:13, 14.
How does our Lord introduce Himself as He prepares to
make His last appeal? Verse 13.
This is the fourth time the expression Alpha and Omega is
used in the Revelation. These are the first and last letters of
the Greek alphabet. It is a significant title when we realize
that much that we communicate in knowledge is symbolized
by letters, and it is thus an appropriate title for the One who
is the Word. But more, the Lord Jesus is the "author and fin-
isher of our faith." Heb. 12:2.
What is the closing benediction in this book? Verse 14
(first part).
"This passage is sometimes translated, 'Blessed are those
who wash their robes.' . . . Whichever reading is preferred the
result is the same, for only those who have 'washed their robes
. . . in the blood of the Lamb' (Revelation 7:14) are able to 'do
His commandments.' Obedience is never a ground of grace;
but God's grace is the only ground for our obedience. It was
disobedience that shut our first parents out of Eden and de-
barred them from the tree of life. And only through the all-
sufficient sacrifice of Christ and a life of submission to God's
will can man be reinstated in the Paradise of God and again
have access to the tree of life."—R. A. Anderson,
Unfolding the
Revelation,
pages 209, 210.
To what do the cleansed and obedient ones have a right?
Verse 14 (last part).
Admission into the Holy City and authority or the right to
partake of the tree of life is reserved for those only who, like
their Redeemer, are
faithful and true.
When the righteous Judge shall weigh my motives, as well
as my words, how will I stand?
"When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly
—at a time when we are least expecting it. But we can have
a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us;
and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom
of heaven."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 989.
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 628.
The Invitation
LESSON 13
❑
Monday
September 23
Part 2
THOSE OUTSIDE
THE CITY
How does our Lord classify those outside the Holy City?
"Outside are dogs, sorcerers and fornicators, murderers
and idolators, and all who love and practice deceit." Rev.
22:15, NEB.
The allusion to dogs had real meaning for those to whom the
Revelation was first sent, for hungry, semi-wild dogs used
often to wander about the streets of many ancient cities, .de-
vouring dead bodies and other refuse. See 1 Kings 14:11. And
it is in this setting that the figure is used. Another group
mentioned are those who practiced sorcery or spiritualism. The
whoremongers and fornicators are mentioned next. Sexual
license, even depravity, is a mark of our times, as are also
murderers. Idolators includes more than the heathen who wor-
ship idols of wood and stone. Many kinds of idol worship
beset the people of God today. Last on the list are the liars,
or those who practice some form of deceit; it may be in busi-
ness or in the home or cheating on income tax or examina-
tions. It is sobering to ponder that all such will be outside the
city.
By contrast what is the fruit of the Spirit? Gal. 5:22, 23.
It is in this life that we must prepare for the life to come.
How easily the purity of our affections and the integrity of our
thoughts can be changed! Suddenly we get flurried, annoyed,
agitated, and the quiet waters of the soul are lashed into fury.
Isaiah said, "The wicked are like the troubled sea, . . . whose
waters cast up mire and dirt." Isa. 57:20. To enter the'city of
God we must be overcomers.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I cooperating with the Spirit of God to gain the vic-
tory over my own sinful self? Am I crucifying the flesh with
its affections?
"When we become children of God, our names are written
in the Lamb's book of life, and they remain there until the time
of the investigative judgment. Then the name of every individ-
ual will be called, and his record examined, by Him who de-
clares, 'I know thy works.' If in that day it shall appear that all
our wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, our names
will be blotted from the book of life, and our sins will stand
against us."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 987.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The Pearl," page 118.
105
The Invitation
LESSON 13
❑
Tuesday
September 24
Part 3
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these
THE BRIGHT
things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of
AND MORNING STAR
David, and the bright and morning star." Rev. 22:16. •
"The bright and morning star" is one of the many titles of
our Lord. This is one of the oldest, most significant of all His
Scriptural titles. The first reference is in Numbers 24:17, where
we read, "There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre
shall rise out of Israel."
How did Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, refer to
the coming Redeemer? Luke 1:77, 78.
The New English Bible reads: "The morning sun from heaven
will rise (or has risen) upon us."
In what terms is our Lord spoken of in the closing book
of the Old Testament? Mal. 4:2.
Just as the rising sun dispels the darkness, bringing warmth,
growth, and blessing to the earth, so does our Lord's presence
in our lives bring spiritual growth and blessing, dispelling the
darkness of our sinful nature.
What other identification of Himself does He give? Rev.
22:16.
It is paradoxical to call Jesus "the root" and at the same
time "the offspring." When Jesus asked the Pharisees "What
think ye of Christ? whose son is he?" they answered, "The
Son of David." Matt. 22:42. Then Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1,
where it says, "The Lord said unto my Lord," et cetera. Then
the Master asked them, "If David then call him Lord, how is
he his son?" Matt. 22:45. That was too much for those religious
leaders. They could not answer. Jesus existed, was Creator,
and thus the root of David. But in the fullness of time He was
born of a woman through the line of David, and so was David's
offspring.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is Christ the Daystar in my life? Can I sing these words
sincerely: "All the darkness of the night has passed away; it
is morning in my heart"?
"Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to
the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light,
the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a reve-
lation of His character of love. The children of God are to
manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to
reveal what the grace of God has done for them.
"The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in
good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 415, 416.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 20, 21.
106
The Invitation
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
September
25
Part 4
THE FINAL
INVITATION
THINK IT THROUGH
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him
that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev.
22:17.
Which person of the Godhead, and with Him who else,
gives the final invitation? Verse 17. Identify the symbol.
The last command to Noah just before the great Flood was:
"Come thou and all thy house into the ark." Gen. 7:1. A simi-
lar appeal is now going to all mankind. Just as in Noah's day
the only ones who escaped the Flood were those who re-
sponded to God's call, so today the only ones who will be
protected during the plagues and from the second death at
last are those who hear and heed God's final invitation.
"All who are partakers of this great salvation wrought out
by Jesus Christ are under obligation to work as laborers to-
gether with God. In the heavenly courts the roll is called, on
which every name is registered, and the heavenly agencies
respond to the call. The service given by every human being
upon earth is there recorded. If any are negligent, it is re-
corded; if diligent, the same is reported; if idlers, the fact
stands against their names. In all the great mass of humanity,
not one is lost sight of. Then let every one be ready to answer
the call, saying, 'Here, Lord, ready for action.'
"The world has claims upon you. If you fail to shine as lights
in the world, some will rise in the judgment, and charge upon
you the blood of their souls."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 987.
How far-reaching is the invitation to accept the water of
life? Verse 17.
When the woman of Samaria heard Jesus speaking about
"the water of life," she desired to know more. Then she hur-
ried to the townspeople and invited them to hear the words
of life from the Master. Having heard, she then said, "Come!"
How much am I doing to invite my friends and neighbors
to drink of the water of life?
"Like the waters of the Flood the fires of the great day de-
clare God's verdict that the wicked are incurable. They have
no disposition to submit to divine authority. Their will has been
exercised in revolt; and when life is ended, it is too late to
turn the current of their thoughts in the opposite direction, too
late to turn from transgression to obedience, from hatred to
love."—The
Great Controversy,
page 543.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Go Into the Highways and Hedges,"
pages 235, 236.
107
The Invitation
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
September 26
Part 5
CHRIST'S LAST
WARNING
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the
prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,
God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this
book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the
book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of
the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things
which are written in this book." Rev. 22:18, 19.
Who is speaking in these verses? Verse 16.
What special message does our Lord give? Verses 18, 19.
"Men cannot with impunity trample upon the word of God.
The meaning of this fearful denunciation is set forth in the
closing chapter of the Revelation: [Rev. 22:18, 19 quoted.] ...
"Such are the warnings which God has given to guard men
against changing in any manner that which He has revealed or
commanded. These solemn denunciations apply to all who by
their influence lead men to regard lightly the law of God. They
should cause those to fear and tremble who flippantly declare
it a matter of little consequence whether we obey God's law
or not. All who exalt their own opinions above divine revela-
tion, all who would change the plain meaning of Scripture to
suit their own convenience, or for the sake of conforming to
the world, are taking upon themselves a fearful responsibility.
The written word, the law of God, will measure the character of
every man and condemn all whom this unerring test shall de-
clare wanting."—The
Great Controversy,
page 268.
If men take away the truth from these prophecies, what
does Christ, the Judge, say He will take from them? Verse 19.
Even by neglecting to study and apply these messages to
ourselves we might be guilty of taking away from these proph-
ecies.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are the prophecies of Revelation finding a positive re-
sponse in my heart? Am I bringing my life into harmony
with the challenging message of this book?
"The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all
penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a
rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is
soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and
mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take
their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume
His right—the office of Supreme Judge."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 989.
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pages 386, 387;
The
FURTHER STUDY
Great Controversy,
page 268.
108
The Invitation
LESSON 13
❑
Friday
September 27
Part 6
EVEN SO, COME,
LORD JESUS
THINK IT THROUGH
"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come
quickly. Amen. Even so, come, lord Jesus. The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Rev. 22:20, 21.
What was John's last prayer of response? Verse 20.
Those words, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus," are John's
closing prayer. Inspired of God to bring us the Revelation, he
now prepares to lay aside his pen. Just as he does, the Lord
announces anew the certainty of His coming, and the old
Patmos prophet, knowing his work as heaven's recorder is
at an end, ponders the meaning of what he has written. Then
from the depths of his soul his response is, "Even so, come,
Lord Jesus." That has been the prayer of God's faithful ones
through all the ages since that day.
When Abraham was called of God, for what was he look-
ing? Heb. 11:10.
Although he had been blessed with wealth, how did he
regard the Land of Promise where he sojourned? Heb. 11:9.
Abraham's attitude to material possessions is a great ex-
ample for us all. He lived in the important city of Ur. He was
a man of wealth with his father, Terah, before he left his home-
land bound for a land he did not know. When he arrived in the
land to which God directed him, he again became wealthy.
But he was dwelling as a stranger in the Promised Land, for
his eyes envisioned the eternal city God was preparing for His
people. This earth with all its miasma and pollution is to be
renewed. The fires of God will not destroy the planet, but only
purify it. Out of the ashes the Creator will bring forth a new
and beautiful world with no trace of sin or contamination. Re-
bellion will be at an end. And on that new earth the city for
which the saints of all the ages looked will be the capital. This
was the great metropolis the angel described to John. No
wonder the exiled prophet exclaimed, "Even so, come, Lord
Jesus!" Come quickly! Should not that be our prayer?
What is my response to the announcement, "Surely I come
quickly"?
"The meek shall inherit the earth." It was through the desire
for self-exaltation that sin entered into the world, and our first
parents lost the dominion over this fair earth, their kingdom.
It is through self-abnegation that Christ redeems what was lost.
And He says we are to overcome as He did. Rev. 3:21. Through
humility and self-surrender we may become heirs with Him
when "the meek shall inherit the earth." Ps. 37:11.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 301, 302.
109
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1974
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of
the
Adult Lessons
for the fourth quarter of 1974 will be helped by
the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title
of the series is "A Gift From Jesus"--a study on the spirit of
prophecy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
First lesson: "Heaven's Media of Communication." Memory
verse, Ps. 19:1, 2. Outline as follows: (1) A Dialogue, Gen. 1:27,
28. (2) A Barrier, Isa. 59:2. (3) Various Media, Ps. 19:1-4. (4) The
Urim and Thummim, Ex. 28:29, 30. (5) The Prophetic Channel,
1 Cor. 14:4. (6) Modern Guidance, Joel 2:28, 31.
Second lesson: "The Prophet's Call." Memory verse, Amos
7:15. Outline as follows: (1) The Call, Isa. 6:8, 9. (2) Jeremiah's
Commission, Jer. 1:4, 5, 9. (3) The Gift in the Old Testament,
Jude 14, 15. (4) The Gift in the New Testament, Heb. 1:1, 2. (5)
The Prophets' Humanity, James 5:17. (6) The Prophets Cruelly
Treated, Matt. 23:29-31.
110
The Commentary
Reference Series is one of
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The SDA Bible Commen-
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A non-Adventist visitor
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"I have been visiting a Seventh-
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Profiles of Faith
The modern approach in Sabbath school witnessing.
CHARISMIsk
OF 1HE SPIRIT
by Rene
Currently, speaking in tongues is the rage of over 50 Christian
denominations throughout America. And the movement is growing.
Catholics, Methodists, Episcopalians, Baptists, and others thrill with
what they believe to be the true language of the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to open the door to semiunconsciousness so that
an unknown tongue can emerge? What is it that rushes in to cause the
tumbling, melodic sounds?
Speaking in tongues. One man stands aside. Listens intently to the
sounds of ecstasy, watches the events taking place, speaks to key
people. Refers to history for comparison. He writes a book.
Rene Noorbergen's CHARISMA OF THE SPIRIT investigates the
tongues movement. Hear it from various ministers of the churches
involved, from participating church member's, from language experts,
and, for contrast, from representatives of the psychic world.
Because the tongues movement is becoming more powerful as time
goes on, we ask, "What does it
mean?" You will find that CHA-
RISMA OF THE SPIRIT, is an aid
to understanding the supernatural
experience of tongues.
Get your copy of CHARISMA
OF THE SPIRIT from your Ad-
ventist Book Center. Or from ABC
Mailing Service, 2621 Farnam
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Brought to you by
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125
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